When the snow starts to melt and the sun finally begins to peek through the winter grey, thoughts turn from hearty stews to fresh springtime flavors. The first day of spring is March 20, so make the best of the new season by spending time in the kitchen together preparing springtime specialties and sowing the seeds for summer.

1. Plant an indoor herb garden
Watch your garden grow inside with all kinds of fresh and fragrant herbs. A windowsill planter or large pot, soil, and seeds or seedlings is all you need to start a delicious kitchen garden. Try basil, rosemary, thyme, parsley, oregano, sage, mint, or anything else you think will smell and taste great. You can even move your "garden" outside once the weather gets warmer. Once the basil really gets going, try making a classic pesto together or the mozzarella, tomato, and basil Caprese recipe below—it’s worth the wait!

Recipe to try: Caprese

2. Eat your veggies, baby
Spring is when farmer’s markets begin to offer all kinds of miniature veggies that are generally sweeter—and are certainly cuter—than their full-grown versions. Baby carrots don’t need anything more than a quick boil or steam and a light coating of melted butter and salt, but you can try an entire baby vegetable medley for a delicious side dish. Or bring in some of the new baby greens coming into season that make the wintertime salad mix look a bit tired and drab. It’s a great way to introduce your kids to the concept that produce grows in distinct seasons—something they won’t learn in many supermarkets.

3. Strawberry shortcake season
You really know it is spring when the strawberries at the grocery store start to burst with flavor again. Take advantage of the end of winter by making a simple and satisfying strawberry shortcake. Ask your kids to "cut in" the butter for the biscuits with two butter knives or their hands instead of using the food processor. You can also make the biscuits in a fancy springtime shape with sharp cookie cutters or the careful use of a paring knife. Add in orange or lemon essence to the whipped cream for a fresh and fragrant touch.

Recipe to try: Strawberry Shortcake

4. Asparagus dippers
Although asparagus isn’t a taste every kid will crave, here’s a way to prepare them that may pique their interest: steam the asparagus while you boil one egg per person until the whites are set and the yolks are soft (about 8 minutes—ask someone to be the official timekeeper). Cut the tops off and dip the tips for a Hollandaise-esque treat that’s a whole lot easier to make. In the Italian recipe below, the same theory is followed but with two fried eggs instead. Delicious.

Recipe to try: Asparagus all Milanese

5. Create a new potato bar
Everyone loves to fix their own baked potatoes, but springtime is the season for extra-tender and sweet new potatoes. Create a potato bar by putting toppings such as sour cream, cooked broccoli, grated cheese, baked beans, or chopped hot dogs in muffin cups or small bowls. Invite some friends over, boil the potatoes, cut them in half, and serve!

Recipe to try: New Potato Bar

Next month we’ll learn how to make specialties for Passover together!