925 spring recipes

Asian-style oat pilaf with egg-coated rolled oats toasted until separated, then simmered in soy sauce and chicken broth with mushrooms, green onions, and snow peas. A unique side dish.

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Balsamic-rosemary chicken cutlets sliced over fresh spinach with crispy bacon, mushrooms, radishes, and a warm shallot-mustard vinaigrette. A low-calorie dinner salad that's filling enough to be the whole meal.

Shredded carrots and turnips baked in a rich Parmesan custard with scallions and parsley until golden and bubbling. An elegant, make-ahead side dish for holiday tables or weeknight dinners.

Savory cilantro corn pancakes loaded with roasted chiles, scallions, and sweet corn kernels. Served with salsa and sour cream for a Southwestern brunch twist.

This hearty dish made with a variety of vegetables is sure to satisfy everyone's hunger.

Stir-fried chicken breast with orange bell pepper and scallions in a savory marsala-soy sauce, served over spaghetti. A quick 45-minute dinner for two.

Rich pureed chestnut soup spiked with amaretto, swirled with cream, and seasoned with nutmeg and cayenne. An elegant starter that turns fresh roasted chestnuts into liquid velvet.

Fowl gumbo with boiled chicken, okra, tomatoes, bell pepper, and celery in a rich brown gravy, finished with file powder. Serve over rice or cornbread for a true Southern bowl.

Penne with cauliflower, fresh and sun-dried tomatoes, basil, and Parmesan. A no-cook sauce tossed with hot pasta and cauliflower boiled together in the same pot. Ready in 30 minutes.

Brown rice summer salad with tarragon vinaigrette, fresh vegetables, peas, and pimentos. Low-fat, no-mayo, and served cold. A make-ahead side dish for hot weather meals.

Marinated chicken drumettes baked in a sticky Asian glaze of hoisin, soy sauce, plum jelly, honey, and dry sherry. Overnight marinade, then roasted until lacquered and caramelized.

Singapore spicy noodles with a chunky peanut butter sauce, red pepper flakes, and crunchy red cabbage tossed with linguine. A quick, low-calorie spicy peanut noodle dish.

Creamy pinto bean soup pureed smooth with chile, onion, and light cream, garnished with toasted pine nuts, cilantro, and chives. From-scratch beans cooked until velvety.

Five-day beans: a slow-cook project where dried limas soak, simmer with aromatics, rest, and finish under a crusty cream and breadcrumb topping. Bean heaven for patient cooks.

Tex-Mex biscuit sandwiches stuff cornmeal-coated refrigerator biscuits with roast beef, taco sauce, barbecue sauce, olives, and cheddar. Baked golden with a sour cream dollop on top.