Even though we're deep in Minnesota winter, juggling holiday shopping and end-of-semester activities, I can't help but dream about the fresh possibilities that spring brings to our dinner table.
Like you, I know the struggle of wanting to serve fresh, nutritious meals while managing a packed family calendar. That's why I'm already planning ahead for spring's bounty—and I want to share my tried-and-true tips for making the most of our brief but beautiful Upper Midwest growing season.
Above are few of my spring meals that I am dreaming of today! Clock wise starting in the upper right: Snap peas, garlic scapes, peas, spring onion, zucchini, over rice, peanut sauce and on rice paper.; Spring roles wrapped up and ready to eat!; Spring salad made with fresh spring stars of the Farmers' Market. Fresh herbs over sautéd garlic scapes and radishes, over hard boiled eggs and rice.; Sautéing spring radishes and garlic scapes!
Spring Stars of the Farmers' Market
Between weekend tournaments and music recitals, I know how precious your time is. Here's what I look for when I'm shopping the spring farmers' market:
Garlic scapes should be firm and bright green
Rhubarb stalks should be crisp and deeply colored
Asparagus tips should be tightly closed and firm
Garlic Scapes: Your New Secret Ingredient
Remember that time between track meets and band concerts when you wished for a quick flavor boost to your family's favorite pasta? Garlic scapes are your answer. These curly, vibrant stems are actually the flower stalks of hardneck garlic plants, harvested in early spring to help the garlic bulbs grow bigger.
Quick Mom Hack: I spend one Sunday afternoon sautéing batches of chopped garlic scapes, then freeze them in olive oil using ice cube trays. Pop one cube into your weeknight stir-fry or pasta sauce for instant garlic flavor—perfect for those nights when you're running between parent-teacher conferences and soccer practice.
Rhubarb: Spring's Sweet-Tart Treasure
Nothing says "spring in the Upper Midwest" quite like rhubarb. While your teenagers are at track practice, take 30 minutes to prep this spring staple for future use:
Wash and trim the stalks (compost those leaves—they're not edible!)
Chop into recipe-ready pieces
Flash freeze on a cookie sheet
Transfer to labeled freezer bags with measurements noted
Now you've got the makings of a quick crisp recipe ready whenever you need a taste of spring.
Asparagus: The Star of Spring
Just like our kids' sports seasons, asparagus has a short but intense season. Don't miss it! While fresh asparagus is delicious simply roasted with olive oil and salt, freezing it can help you extend the season well into your busy fall schedule.
Simple Blanching Method:
Clean and trim the spears
Blanch in boiling water for 2-3 minutes
Plunge into ice water
Dry thoroughly
Freeze in meal-sized portions
As we navigate these long winter days, take a moment between driving carpools and checking homework to dream about spring's fresh flavors. Your future self will thank you for any prep work you can do now—even if it's just bookmarking this post for later!
Let's Grow Together
What spring produce are you most looking forward to? Drop a comment below or tag me in your seasonal cooking adventures on Instagram @AnnaBelle_SeasonalEats. I love seeing how other busy moms make the most of our brief but beautiful Upper Midwest growing season.
Want a Seasonal Meal Prep Starter Kit check out my 5 Step Guide to Planning Nutritious Meals for 2025—perfect reading for those long moments in the parking lot waiting for practice to end!
Enjoy the season you are in, while dreaming of future meals.
Until next time!
AnnaBelle
Opmerkingen