We finally made it to the real deal days of spring! The days are longer, the sun is stronger, the flowers are blooming, and the energy levels are bursting. I don’t know about anyone else, but this is the time of year when my “senioritis” kicks in and I am deeply tempted to play hooky from life for a day. In other words: it is my favorite time of year.

It is also a time of year I love for the food inspiration. And I’ve been getting a lot of it lately! This past weekend my husband and I went on our annual weekend getaway to the Shenandoah Valley for wine tasting, hiking, and eating. We always stay at an amazing Bed and Breakfast with a chef that gives me ideas to last me a year and this year was no different! Beet soup with cheddar grit croutons, roasted new carrots with carrot top pesto, ginger pound cake with pineapple ice, sweet potato pancakes with rosemary-infused hickory syrup—it was unbelievable and I feel so blessed to be able to get to do that each year!

I am feeling so inspired that I wanted to pass some it along to you and share some easy recipes that take advantage of the awesome produce that is available in the Spring. I hope these will give you some fun ideas to kick start your cooking!

Spring vegetable minestrone– in the slow cooker or on the stove, this is a great way to take advantage of spring vegetables!

Nutty arugula pesto – great on pasta, pizza, sandwiches, etc.

Asparagus, goat cheese, and lemon pasta– creamy and lively! An amazing dinner.

Buttered Radishes and Eggs -great for breakfast, lunch, or dinner!

Easy grilled vegetables – wonderful and simple way to prepare asparagus, spring onions, leeks, radishes, etc.

Do you have favorite spring fruits or vegetables? What are you inspired to cook these days?