In March, we have fresh strawberries, asparagus, spinach, snap peas, lettuce, radishes and carrots. St. Patrick's Day comes along on March 17 and a hearty Guinness Beef Stew is a delicious alternative to the traditional corned beef and cabbage dinner. Easter arrives early this year, on March 31, so the Spinach & Gruyere Strata and Carrot Cake Muffins would make for a delightful holiday brunch. April adds ripening blueberries to fresh produce of March, while Alma will hold the annual Georgia Blueberry Festival on May 31-June 1. Also of note locally, Vidalia onions are in season in April and the Onion Festival is held in Vidalia April 25-28, so of course we have a recipe that shows off these sweet onions! The Jewish Passover holiday is April 22 and while apples may not be ripening on trees in Georgia at this time of year, they're easy to obtain for the sweet kugel recipe we're sharing. Start celebrating in May with Cinco de Mayo and some tasty carnitas. On May 12, whip up the Blueberry French Toast Casserole and Asparagus Goat Cheese Frittata for the family matriarch in honor of Mother's Day. Wind up the month with a Memorial Day cookout on May 27 and take advantage of fresh cucumbers and tomatoes in the Greek Salad with Avocado.
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1
SLOW COOKER GUINNESS STEW
This hearty stew made with stout and packed with fresh carrots, onion, potatoes, parsnips and celery is ideal for a St. Patrick’s Day dinner, especially when served with soda bread on the side.
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2
SPINACH AND GRUYERE STRATA
Easter morning calls for egg casseroles and this cheesy spinach and Gruyère strata fits the bill beautifully!
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3
CARROT CAKE MUFFINS
These carrot cake muffins made with Greek yogurt and honey are healthier than a cake and delicious for Easter brunch or breakfast any day.
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4
CHICKEN SNAP PEA STIR FRY
Fresh snap peas are a delicacy available in the spring. A simple stir fry makes good use of their crunch and you can add or substitute shrimp or another protein for the chicken and add other veggies to change up the recipe as you like.
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5
STRAWBERRY BLUE CHEESE STEAK SALAD
Fresh strawberries, blue cheese, Vidalia onion, and a handful of walnuts or pine nuts elevate this steak salad to the next level
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6
APPLE MATZO KUGEL
While noodle kugel is a well-known traditional Jewish dish, this apple matzo kugel is a sweet version that's perfect for Passover.
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7
FRESH VEGETABLE LASAGNA
Fresh veggies and herbs are the spotlight in this light lasagna that uses a mascarpone cheese mixture rather than tomato sauce. Experiment using different cheeses (feta, farmers, goat) to vary the flavors.
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8
VIDALIA ONION DIP
Georgia is known for its Vidalia onions. This cheesy dip is a tasty favorite that showcases the sweetness of this flavorful onion and is always a party hit.
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9
SLOW COOKER CARNITAS
Cinco de Mayo calls for dishes with Mexican flair. This recipe slow cooks pork with tequila, green onions, chiles, and cilantro until its tender and ready to stuff into tortillas with fresh diced tomatoes, onions & cilantro.
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10
SLOW-COOKER BLUEBERRY FRENCH TOAST CASSEROLE
Prep this breakfast casserole overnight to bake in the slow cooker on Mother's Day morning. Mom is sure to love this special treat featuring sweet, ripe blueberries that come into season in the spring.
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11
ASPARAGUS GOAT CHEESE FRITTATA
Fresh asparagus and tangy goat cheese combine for a flavorful frittata that would be perfect for a Mother's Day lunch, girls' get-together, or even a light dinner. Serve with fresh fruit or a salad.
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12
GREEK SALAD WITH AVOCADO
This Greek salad is a celebration of spring garden vegetables with fresh cucumbers and tomatoes and creamy avocado. Perfect for a Memorial Day picnic!