Spring into Springtime Food, suggests columnist Richie Stamp

I don't want to put a damper on how the weather has been

recently and 'jinx' how sunnier & warmer it has been recently, but it

really has put me in the mood for thinking of recipes & dishes for the

spring, fresh, cool & tantalising dishes that just bounce on the plate that

give a fresh sunny aroma, a taste'tastic sensation!

Hopes of dining in the garden, hoping we have more

opportunity this year than last. All those hopes for a great summer. But I love

when spring comes around. The season for food with colour. Yellow foods in particular

like Yellow Courgettes, Yellow Peppers bright & juicy making anything from

a simple Stir-fry to a warm tossed Salad more colourful to the eye. The bright

colour of a fresh egg yolk. Poached & slowly dripping on a toasted Bagel or

Muffin. Yellow as a Daffodil.

After what seems a long harsh winter, there are signs of spring

in the air. A trip around the food markets start to look more & more inviting.

Yes I know nothing foodie seems seasonal these days, but let's forget all that

processed manufactory stuff for now and image your back in the good days of

buying foods you haven't seen for a while because they haven't been in season.

Feel a bit of a springtime skip in your kitchen you might

want to start your day with a breakfast favourite of Eggs Benedict with some

Hollandaise Sauce, sproose it up with some Smoked Ham & a sprinkle of Cayenne

pepper. Lunch or a brunch dish of some Pan-Fried Fresh Sardines with a warm

salad of Chicory & Walnuts with some ribbons of Yellow Zucchini

(Courgette), drizzled with a Stilton Dressing, creamy & light. Makes for a

great dish to share with friend's.

Dine on a slow cooked leg of Lamb for your evening meal,

marinated & roasted in whole crushed Garlic Cloves with Fresh Rosemary,

again make a little medley of Vegetables with Greenbeans, Baby Sweetcorn, Mixed

Peppers cut into strips with added Garlic for a Springtime treat.

I can sense lots of great dishes coming up in the coming

season. Does feel good to have brighter mornings and it won't be long before we

have lighter nights too... Beautiful evenings in the garden with a chilled

glass of wine & some fresh home cooked foods.