Spring is in the air, and that means it’s time for light and refreshing meals. One of my favorite springtime dishes is a simple asparagus pasta. Thinly slice a pound of asparagus and sauté in olive oil with garlic and lemon zest. Toss with linguine or fettuccine and top with shaved Parmesan cheese, black pepper, and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. The bright green asparagus pairs beautifully with the tangy lemon and creamy pasta.
As the weather warms up, I start craving fresh tomato salads. For a simple caprese salad, slice ripe tomatoes and fresh mozzarella and layer on a platter. Tear basil leaves over the top and drizzle with olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Sea salt and cracked black pepper complete the dish. The sweet, juicy tomatoes combined with the mild mozzarella and fragrant basil are the essence of summer.
Nothing says summer like juicy peaches. For an easy summery dessert, slice peaches and place in a baking dish. Mix yogurt or mascarpone, honey, and vanilla extract and pour over the peaches. Bake at 350 F until the peaches are soft and the sauce is bubbling, about 20 minutes. Allow to cool slightly, then serve with whipped cream or ice cream. The baked peaches are also delicious for breakfast with granola and mint.
As the summer fades into fall, I start cooking heartier fare like pasta Bolognese. Sauté ground beef or turkey with onions and garlic, then simmer in tomato sauce for at least 30 minutes. Toss with pasta such as ziti or penne and top with grated parmesan cheese. A simple salad and garlic bread complete the comforting meal. The long-simmered sauce fills the kitchen with an intoxicating aroma.
Nothing says fall like squash and pumpkin. For a quick weeknight side dish, cut butternut squash into 1-inch cubes, toss with olive oil, salt and pepper and spread on a baking sheet. Roast at 400 F, stirring once, until the squash is tender and caramelized, about 25 minutes. The natural sweetness of the squash pairs well with pork, chicken or vegetarian main dishes. Or puree the squash with stock and spices for a creamy soup.