Seasonal Sundays: Spring Asparagus!

Get off that sofa, people! It's Happy Dance time, welcoming the vegetable harbinger of spring, fat and skinny and trim spears of crisp, healthy asparagus. Both grocery stores I hit this week had pretty-pretty asparagus on sale and the home-grown wonders can't be far behind. So this week's "Seasonal Seven" recipe collection is for the asparagus lovers among us, arming us all with recipes to carry well into summer.

~ Skip Straight to the Good Stuff ~

Welcome to Seasonal Sundays ...

As always, thank you for inviting me into your InBox. I do so hope to kickstart your food imagination for the coming week ... PS And if you like this week's recipes, perhaps you'll share this newsletter with a friend or social circle? If you forward this message, others may subscribe for free right here. Thank you!

So our home state of Missouri is still weeks away from home-grown asparagus, even if I'm checking our small asparagus patch every day.

But the wonder of our national and international food distribution system is that fresh produce is available year-round. And every year, I can tell when asparagus is first catching shoppers' attention: about April 1, the asparagus recipes start to really go crazy right into June.

So yeah, even if (like me) Microwave Asparagus is your thing, asparagus is just so dang adaptable, yet always remaining distinctively, essentially asparagus.

Let's get to cookin'!

Just a reminder, I personally select everything that's mentioned here — nothing is sponsored, nothing is paid advertising. Oh and if you happen to buy something via a link to Amazon (just Amazon, no others), Kitchen Parade may earn a small commission. Zero pressure, just an FYI that's required by law and good manners.

In Praise Of ...

• ... spring is wondrous, yes? but dang it, the first fly appeared this week, they are my nemesis ... one thing that really helps is this OUTDOOR/GARAGE ONLY Garbage Guard Trash Can Insect Killer (affiliate link) ... just attach to the underside of the garbage lid and voila, no more nasty things for the entire season, I've just reordered for 2025


• ... finally putting away the l a r g e crèche figurines, they're filled with sand so are heavy so I was thwarted by first snow and then wet soil (which meant that a wheelbarrow would cut up the grass more than I wanted) and then waiting for enough dry days for both dry soil and dry figurines ... they're not quite completely "away" yet but are drying out in the garage, soon to be moved to the storage room ... unless ... of course ... it's December again and back outside they go 🙄 ... kinda like people who decide to leave the Christmas lights up since it's already the 4th of July and ...


• ... the pear tree gifted by my nephew for our birthdays last year made it through the winter and is leafing out! so far it's more tall pencil than fruit tree but hope, people, is alive ...

Democracy Matters

The country needs calm, thoughtful and assertive voices amid the chaos inflicted by a minority hellbent on taking/retaining generational power by strangling democratic principles and equal rights. None of us have to personally change the world. We just have to do our part. Pick one thing for the top of your To Do List this week.

JUST IN CASE I used my allotted "FiveCalls" time this week to check off something that's been on my "urgent list" for a month or more: starting the process to claim (dual) Canadian citizenship through my mother. We'll see ... and it's a process that will take time, also something I hope to never have to activate. But it feels like the right time.

Word came out that others are ahead of the line. It makes me happy, thinking that Timothy Snyder, the American historian who specializes in the history of Central and Eastern Europe, the Soviet Union, and the Holocaust (and author of the must-read On Tyranny (affiliate link) has moved from Yale to the University of Toronto.

Who else is making plans? Hoping (and working toward) never to activate them?

BUT IN THE MEANTIME, TO THE STREETS Virtually all the pro-democracy efforts right now are grass roots, just individuals who care and put their own muscle behind it. Local activism is awesome but it does mean that messaging is a little messy for the April 5th Hands Off protests.

This is the best document I've seen about what it is and where the protests are, 1 Day - 1+ Million Protestors - 1 List. Find one, verify the time/location separately, make your signs, show up and make some legal, peaceful Good Trouble. Remember, the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution protects the right of the people to "peaceably assemble", meaning the freedom to gather together for lawful purposes and in a lawful manner without governmental interference.

In my experience, Facebook is the best place to verify local events through the organizations called 50501 and CardCampaign and Indivisible. But you do have to go looking, even if you follow these organizations already. At least the St. Louis organizations are posting really late and even if Facebook isn't intentionally delaying info reaching our feeds, well, the posts are showing up late because of Facebook's algorithms.

The Words of Wise Women

• Omg, here I am quoting Jess Piper again. The thing is, she speaks a truth I don't hear elsewhere. First, I've been wondering, at all the events / protests/ organizational meetings I'm attending, Where the heck are the young people? (Also all the men, but that's a different issue.) Second, I've long had the idea that if the world becomes truly effed, I have one job: protect kids, protect parents with young kids, whatever that means. So Jess' recent essay really resonates. I STAND, I ACT, IN PROTECTION.
• READ The Rural Whisperer by Missouri rural organizer Jess Piper (her origin story)
• TAKEAWAY "My American Literature curriculum started with Indigenous stories. One of these stories told about the way one tribal society went into battle — older folks in front of the warriors. This made little sense to me the first time I read it. I wondered why grandmothers and grandfathers were in front of the young men while heading into battle." ~ Jess Piper

ISO Advice ...

It looks like we are embarking on a big remodel (to the studs, no walls moved) of our master bath, where the primary objective is making it aging-in-place friendly. If you've been through this process, I'd love to know your thoughts and recommendations. If you haven't, well, I'd appreciate your good luck wishes!

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THE SEASONAL SEVEN: Spring Asparagus!

For this week's recipes, I aimed for recipes with spring flavors and combinations that ...

• ... are on the simpler side, perfect for rushed weeknights and busy weekends
• ... range from sides to soups to salads to suppers
• ... will double your asparagus "needs" and that's a promise! 😄

• THE RECIPE Asparagus Spears with Easy Lemon-Mayo Dip A simple appetizer, gorgeous lemony dip. (PIN This)
• ANOTHER TAKE Asparagus Tapenade A bright green spread for crackers, sandwiches, pasta, steaks, "scoops" and more.

• THE RECIPE Asparagus with Blender Hollandaise Spring's classic sauce, drizzled over fresh asparagus.
• ANOTHER TAKE Slow-Roasted Asparagus Slow cooking turns asparagus into something entirely new.

• THE RECIPE Asparagus Scallion Salad with Hard-Cooked Egg Dreamy good, just asparagus and green onion poached together, drizzled with simple vinaigrette.
• ANOTHER TAKE Gorgeous Raw Asparagus Salad An easy salad made with thin spears of raw (yes raw!) asparagus tossed in a simple vinaigrette.

• THE RECIPE Easy-to-Elegant Asparagus Soup One recipe with either rustic or refined texture.
• ANOTHER TAKE Spring Garden Vegetable Soup with Asparagus, Artichokes, Peas & Spinach So many spring favorites all at once.

• THE RECIPE Stir-Fried Shrimp with Asparagus or Other Summer Vegetables Tossed in an addictive sweet 'n' sour hot sauce. (PIN This)
• ANOTHER TAKE Lemon & Asparagus Pasta Light and bright for spring.

• THE RECIPE Asparagus Risotto Lighter, more flavor thanks to a gorgeous asparagus stock. (PIN This)
• ANOTHER TAKE Roasted Salmon & Asparagus The original sheetpan supper. (PIN This)

• THE RECIPE Quick Pickled Asparagus No canning required.
• ANOTHER TAKE Party Asparagus with Aioli Great for parties, buffets, composed salads. (PIN This)

• THE COLLECTION Asparagus Recipes from Kitchen Parade from starters, sides, salads, soups, suppers and more, extra-organized so it's easy to find just the right recipe.
• SO ORGANIZED! By Ingredient, Kitchen Parade recipes listed ingredient by ingredient, so much easier than search.

• JUST THE FAVORITES Favorite Asparagus Recipes So many great recipes, so hard to pick just the very best.
• THE A-Z COLLECTION Asparagus Recipes Soups to salads to suppers and still more, the whole collection. (PIN This)

What's Brand-Spankin' New?!

Wondering about a recipe from the last while? Check Recent Recipes from Kitchen Parade and Recent Vegetable Recipes from A Veggie Venture.

• THE RECIPE Southern Corn Bread Six tips for perfect cornbread, this recipe or yours. (PIN This)
• ANOTHER TAKE Honey-Sweet Cornbread Sweetened with honey, a "northern" take on cornbread that's moist and tender, a total treat. (PIN This)

• THE RECIPE Cauliflower Chopped Salad with Dried Fruit & Nuts The salad so good, my own sister bought a food processor just to make it. (PIN This)
• ANOTHER TAKE Rainbow Salad Pretty pastel vegetables in a Sweet Lemon Vinaigrette. (PIN This)

• THE RECIPE Twice-Baked Potatoes All the retro goodness but smaller, more manageable. (PIN This)
• ANOTHER TAKE Hasselback Potatoes So little effort, so much drama. (PIN This)

Join Me? Pie-of-the-Month Club

Anyone up for pie? Fingers crossed!

It's been seven years since baking almost 100 pies for #PieDayFriday. But so far, I'm three pies closer to that milestone in the past three weeks. And honestly? It's kinda fun. People really do love pie!

Now a pie a week is nuts a lot. But maybe one a month is both aspirational and do-able? Let's give it a shot.

The #1 Rule: There are no rules except make a pie. Make my suggested pie or not. Make your own crust or not. Make it a sweet pie or not. Make it on Friday or not. You get the idea ...

Here's April's pie.

• This is such a pretty pie, perfect for those pretty strawberries that are showing up in the grocery stores now. For my crust, bake the cookies a day or five ahead of time, they're good on their own but save enough aside for the chocolate crumb crust. This pie is on our menu for this coming week!
• THE RECIPE Fresh Strawberry Pie Fresh glazed berries in a homemade chocolate-cookie crust, a real crowd pleaser. (PIN This)

April: Reader Favorites

• THE RECIPE DIY Substitute for Baker's Joy Just three ingredients and works like a charm. (PIN This)
• ANOTHER HOMEMADE SUBSTITUTE DIY Homemade Foot Lotion Take care of your feet, three easy-to-find ingredients. (PIN This)

• THE RECIPE How to Cook Artichokes in the Microwave A spring classic, cooked fresh and whole. (PIN This)
• ANOTHER TAKE Greek Rice Salad with Artichokes & Feta Inexpensive rice packed with vegetables. (PIN This)

Trending NOW ...

• THE RECIPE Two-Bite Brownies Moist, chocolate-y brownies, just two bites big. Served, if you like, in a festive watermelon boat.
• ANOTHER TAKE Vanilla Brownies Darkly chocolate, richly vanilla saucepan brownies; moist and fudgy in the center, chewy on the edges.

• THE RECIPE Easy Sautéed Asparagus A basic, even essential method, simple but sumptuous. (PIN This)
• ANOTHER TAKE Tool Tip: Asparagus Steamer How to rig one for yourself.

April: Recipes Lookin' for a Little Love

• THE RECIPE Marinated Tofu Stir-Fry Just add frozen stir-fy vegetables for a quick supper.
• ANOTHER TAKE Ugly But Delicous Tofu A between-meal, protein-packed pick-me-up.

• THE RECIPE Sautéed Balsamic Peppers You don't even really need a recipe, just a little nudge of an idea.
• ANOTHER TAKE Easy Sautéed Red & Yellow Peppers A simple, colorful side dish. (PIN This)

The Kitchen Parade Almanac: Looking Ahead ...

• April 1 (Tuesday) - April Fool's Day
• April 12 (Saturday) - 20th - Beginning of Passover
• April 20th (Sunday) - Easter (yikes! so late!)

• THE COLLECTION Easter Recipes From brunch to bunny hunts and much more.
• ALL THE HOLIDAYS All the Holidays Year-round food for fun and celebration.

Looking Back ...

THIS WEEK, YEARS PAST
• 2020 Late March (Week 14)
• 2021 Late March – Early April (Week 14)
• 2022 Late March–Early April (Week 14)
• 2023 Celebration Breads & Cakes (Week 14)

RECENT WEEKS
• Save Room for Dessert (Spring Edition) (PIN This)
• Green Food (Just for the Fun of It) (PIN This)
• Pasta You'll Love (Week 11) (PIN This)
• Fish for Lent & Spring (Week 10) (PIN This)
• Everyday Cajun (Week 9) (PIN This)
• Winner Winner, Chicken Dinner (Week 8) (PIN This)
• Sweet Little Somethings (Week 7) (PIN This)
• Spinach for Any Occasion (Week 5) (PIN This)
• Project Cooking (Week 4) (PIN This)
• Feeding Our Vegetable Cravings (Week 2) (PIN This)
• Best of 2024 (PIN This)

Soups & Salads When It Feels Like Spring But ...

April is such a frustrating month, vegetable-wise! Many days are so warm and almost summer-like but of course, gardens may not even be planted yet, let alone producing food for the table. That's why I spent a year gathering all of A Veggie Venture's best soup and salad recipes into easy-to-scan month-by-month collections.

• THE COLLECTION Seasonal Soup & Salad Recipes for April Especially for the warmer days, so many choices!
• BUT REALLY, DON'T MISS Summer Black-Eyed Pea Salad Looks like, tastes like, bites like – summer in a bowl! But make it any time of year.
• OR THIS Paleo Carrot Soup Laced with fresh ginger and cardamon.

Good to Know!

• THE HOW TO Asparagus & Woody Ends (Step-by-Step Photos & Video) (PIN This)
• THE A-Z RECIPES Asparagus Recipes Soups to salads to suppers and still more, the whole collection. (PIN This)

Silly (But Fun?!) Food Holidays

• March 30 — Pretzel Day (Game-Day Pretzels)
• March 31 — Tater Day (recipes using potatoes)
• April 2 — National Peanut Butter & Jelly Day (Peanut Butter & Jelly Smoothies)
• April 4 — International Carrot Day (Carrot Cake)
• April 5 — National Caramel Day (Best-Ever Caramel Cake)

The Best No-Recipe Recipe I Made This Week

So prosaic, I know. But this week, I've been 100% into cheerios with banana and blueberries!

Trader Joe's Test Kitchen

This week, we tried a package of vacuum-packed cooked lentils, the one in the refrigerator section. (Trader Joe's also sells canned lentils.)

They were ... decent. The vacuum packing leaves them REALLY packed together, it was weird to have to scrape them apart, leaving lots broken up versus intact and they were ... kinda dry, kinda plain.

Of course, I'm spoiled, because I'm completely smitten with Best-Ever Lentil Salad.

Hmmm. Maybe it would work to use the dressing from my recipe with the Trader Joe's lentils? Worth a shot!

A Quick Peek Into a Real-Life Kitchen

Just so you know, everything's not all pretty pictures around here, in the background is a pile of dirty dishes. And just like many (all?) of us, come five o'clock, I too draw a blank about what to make for supper, despite so many recipes I so dearly love. Here's a quick peek from this week.

• THIS WEEK I picked up the season's first asparagus this week and knew, exactly, the season's first asparagus recipe, in fact, A Veggie Venture's very first asparagus recipe exactly 20 years ago this month. So good, then and now!
• THE RECIPE Roasted Asparagus with Feta Roasted without oil, topped with warm, melty feta.

• THIS WEEK I've been pining for this salad for some weeks, this is such a wonderful grain salad (and yeah, I know that wild rice isn't a grain and in fact isn't even a rice ...). I added some chopped almonds for a little crunch and a big handful of fresh dill for extra brightness. So good! The first night, I served it as the base for some roasted salmon. Just excellent!
• THE RECIPE Wild Rice Salad With mushrooms, served warm or chilled.

• THIS WEEK I have 1000 to-do's on my list but what somehow rose to the top? Refreshing our spice containers. 😉 I mixed a fresh batch of this wonderful herb mix. I'm actually thinking about using it on fish later this week! So good!
• THE RECIPE DIY Herb Blend for Homemade Herb Bread The twelve herbs I use for herb bread.

Just Updated!

• THE RECIPE Armenian Easter Bread The buttery sweet bread called choereg or choreg. (PIN This)
• ANOTHER TAKE Hot Cross Buns Sweet buns traditional for Easter.

Don't Be a Stranger ...

I'd love to hear from you. Comment, send me a quick e-mail (my current address is in the FAQs), dot-dash in Morse code, build a fire for smoke signals, launch a message in a bottle, send a Christmas letter, get the dog to yip, toss me a note wrapped in a rubberband, write a message in the sky, scratch a note in the sand, listen to a seashell, tuck a question into a plastic Easter egg, whatever.

• Any advice for Seasonal Sundays?
• Just one thing that would make it more useful for you?
• Anything else? Chime in, chat away.

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Kitchen Parade is written by second-generation food columnist Alanna Kellogg and features fresh, seasonal dishes for every-day healthful eating and occasional indulgences. Quick Suppers are Kitchen Parade favorites and feature recipes easy on the budget, the clock, the waistline and the dishwasher. Do you have a favorite recipe that other Kitchen Parade readers might like? Just send me a quick e-mail, you'll find my current address in the FAQs. How to print a Kitchen Parade recipe. Never miss a recipe! If you like this recipe, sign up for a free e-mail subscription. If you like Kitchen Parade, you're sure to like my food blog about vegetable recipes, too, A Veggie Venture. When you make my recipes, I'd love to know your results! Just leave a comment below or better still, on the specific recipe's page.

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