Thank you, thank you, thank you for your kind words and well wishes after sharing the news about Cookie’s passing. Dogs never live long enough and I always dreaded the day this would come. It’s surreal and so sad to be on the other side. I’m reading and re-reading your sentiments with a box of tissues and they are bringing me peace.
I never thought of it this way before, but one lovely way to remember Cookie will be to cook the recipes that I created with her by my side. There are so many! I have a few new ones ready to share with you once I can think again. I’m hugging our daughter close and tackling some spring cleaning projects for a distraction. I’ll be back soon to share more Cookie stories and photos—she was really something.
If you are here for recipes, I have many to share with you. April brings more seasonal produce to the table, including asparagus, beets and peas. You’ll find the full list below, and even more spring recipes here.
Asparagus
Spring Veggie Stir-Fry
Easily gluten free and vegan
“Love this stir-fry! I have made it several times now, all with different vegetables, and it has turned out great every time. So delicious and full of flavor. Thanks!” – Kiara
Avocado
Veggie Breakfast Sandwich
Potentially gluten free
“OMG these are so unbelievably delicious! I love the freshness and bite of the onion and arugula. This egg cooking method is a total game changer. This sandwich will definitely be added to my breakfast rotation! Thanks, Kate! And Cookie is such a cutie” – Nicole
Beets
Colorful Beet Salad with Carrot, Quinoa & Spinach
Gluten free and vegan
“This could be THE best salad I have ever made. I have a vegan friend who I am always trying to find interesting recipes for and she also loved it. I made it exactly as per your recipe apart from adding a mixture of toasted almond flakes and pumpkins seeds.” – Heather
Broccoli
Perfect Roasted Broccoli
Gluten free and vegan
This recipe is brand new, so please let me know how your broccoli turns out!
Brussels Sprouts
Coconut Rice with Brussels Sprouts from The Love and Lemons Cookbook
Gluten free and vegan
“Made this for dinner last night and it was wonderful! I can hardly wait for my Love and Lemons cookbook to arrive tomorrow. Thank you again” – Luann
More Brussels sprout recipes »
Cabbage
Simple Seedy Slaw
Gluten free and vegan
“Super easy to make and delicious, to boot! I forgot to pick up carrots so mine was cabbage only. Didn’t matter, my taste buds were beyond pleased.” – Sondra
Cauliflower
Creamy Roasted Cauliflower Soup
Gluten free and easily vegan
“Just finished making (and eating) this and it was absolutely delightful! Next time I will make a double batch because although I was making this for lunch this week, already half of it has disappeared! Thank you for the recipe!” – Cheryl
Citrus fruits
Honey Lemon Curd
Gluten free
“It turned out just perfect! Thank you for this wonderful recipe!” – Yelena
More lemon recipes » (also grapefruit, orange, lime and clementine)
Greens
Arugula, Dried Cherry and Wild Rice Salad with a Zippy Lemon Dressing
Gluten free and easily vegan
“We absolutely LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this salad. Our crowd includes a 4 and 6 yr old. Your recipes are all delicious and we have greatly enjoyed so many of them.” – Leigh
More arugula recipes » (also spinach)
Mushrooms
Arugula and Cremini Quiche with Gluten-Free Almond Meal Crust
Gluten free
“You just won my meat-eating friends over with this quiche! They’re going to be running over to C+K now for recipes! Thanks again for another hit! It’s so easy to be a “chef” with these fail proof recipes!” – Deepthi
Peas
Lemony Green Pasta with Peas & Ricotta
Easily gluten free and vegan
“Loved this pasta and my kids thought it was GREAT! It was our St. Patrick’s Day dinner. :) They usually do not ‘green’ but after a polite bite they were wowed by the lemon.” – Malinda
Radishes
Lemony Lentil and Chickpea Salad with Radish and Herbs
Gluten free and easily vegan
“This. This was what I wanted tonight. Thank you for an amazing dinner!” – Debra
Sweet Potatoes
Mediterranean Roasted Sweet Potato & Farro Salad
Easily vegan
“I made this for supper tonight, and I love it! There might not be leftovers for tomorrow’s lunch. My grocery store didn’t have sumac, but I’ll have to get some for next time, because I’m definitely making it again!” – Emilie
Don’t forget to tag your recipe photos #cookieandkate so we can all see them! If you’re looking for an ingredient that didn’t make the list, check my new ingredient index for relevant recipes.
More resources you might appreciate: 23 make-ahead breakfast recipes, 45 recipes that pack well for lunch and 20 simple weeknight dinners. You can shop my essential kitchen equipment here. Don’t forget to follow us on Pinterest for a steady stream of recipe inspiration!
Vegetable enthusiast. Dog lover. I'm probably making a big mess in my Kansas City kitchen right now. 
Michelle Anderson
Every single one of these recipes has my mouth watering and me more excited than ever for the growing season. Thanks for the inspiration.
Kate
Yay, thank you!
Heather @Boston Girl Bakes
Oh man this roundup is awesome!! Thank you! I have enrolled in a weekly farm to table type program and I get a bag of seasonal local veggies and totally in need of inspiring recipes!
Kate
Thanks, Heather! Glad to help. :)
Lis
Your recipes are some of our favorites in our house. Love keeping your produce guides around and using your ingredient index to pair with our CSA share. We’re not strictly vegetarian in our house and I love how easy it is to throw some chicken or whatever in to your recipes.
Also for leeks – soups and pot pies and glorious! I’d also love to hear about roasting leeks – I’ve never done this but am sure it’s wonderful.
Kate
Thank you, Lis! I’m glad you’re putting my recipes and guides to good use. :) I’ll have to pick up some leeks soon so I can start experimenting!
William S. Kling
Hi, first-time commenter but years-long reader via your mmmm-emails. Thank you for all the fun, tasty and beautiful recipes. And congrats on the two young cuties-great picture! As a long-time follower of Michelle Norris aka Brown-eyed Baker, I look forward to her “Friday Things” each week, wherein she shares pix of her kids and dogs and goes off-food-topics. So keep sharing! And regarding leeks, please do experiment-I love them but am tired of just soup.
Vivian | stayaliveandcooking
Asparagus, yes please! I think I have to make pretty much every recipe: they all look so great…
Kari
I’ll be adding avocado to as much as possible!!
Kate
Avocado on everything!!! :)
Krysten
Love love love this!
Spring has some of my favorite produce! I’m so excited to start cooking with it. Plus!! The spring colors are gorgeous to photograph!
Kate
Aren’t they? Thanks, Krysten!
Katie @ Adulting Daily
Thank you! I try to cook seasonally, but sometimes it’s hard to remember what’s in season since usually most produce is available in the grocery store whether it’s in season or not. Also, the recipe ideas are a great inspiration!
Kate
Thanks, Katie! I hear you. It’s hard to keep up! Happy spring!
Roxana
Thank you! Love the sushi bowls and vegetable ideas. Eating seasonally is so important!
Christina
What a great resource! I always just cook what I’m in the mood for, and really should start taking advantage of what’s flourishing any particular month. Thanks for sharing!
Allie
Love monthly posts like this one & I’m thinking my fridge is pretty set, I have a lot of these ingredients ready to go!
Thanks for all you do, keep inspiring us to live healthy :)
Bee
I was happy to see a lot of items that I am already planning on using and hesitant to use some that I know I should…. ahh veggies… constant inner turmoil for me.
Lots of Love,
Bee
Celeste|The Whole Serving
I’m with you, I love all the fresh fruits and vegetables, I’m like a kid in the candy store.
Megan
I so appreciate the recipes with the foods! So many times we just see a list of the in-season foods but now I know what to do with lesser used vegetables like … leeks!
Cassie Tran
Yay for sweet potatoes and cauliflower! I’m so excited for this month!
Kelly
Just found you while looking for Thai recipes. EVERYTHING sounds and looks so delicious and interesting. I can’t wait to try some of your recipes this week. I look forward to seeing what May has in store. I’ll keep you posted.
Mary Main
Very exciting recipes and fun flavor combo’s; I see a lot of fascinating experimenting ahead for me. Thanks. If you develop any recipes using swiss chard I would be grateful, I may have a lot of it on my hands very soon -growing like mad in the garden. Enjoy your trip!
Kate
Thanks, Mary! I’m so jealous of your thriving garden– that sounds positively wonderful. I’ll add swiss chard to my recipe requests, so be on the lookout!
nancyabc
Thank you for sharing these—-they are so useful and I send them to my friends also.
Kate
Wonderful! Thanks for sharing, Nancy.
JOY RABBINI
I simply love all of your recipes and the photos are beautiful! I love veggies and didn’t thinkI could love them more, but you’ve done it! THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!
Kate
So kind of you, Joy!!! What a lovely compliment. I appreciate that.
Ana Palmer
This is going to be an amazing April in my kitchen this month. Thank you so much.
Kate
Yay! Thanks, Ana.
Cecilia
I love love those posts! Such a genius idea!
Kate
So glad they have helped, Cecilia! Fresh, in-season veggies are one of the little joys in life.
Melanie
Kate, I truly look forward to your What to Cook posts each month. I get excited to see certain produce at the grocery store or farmer’s market and sometimes stock up without a clue what to do with it. So your posts come just in time! :)
Also, I would really like to see a leeks recipe from you soon. I can usually get two big bunches (2-3 leeks each) for $1 at the farmer’s market but unless I’m making a soup (I also tried a galette, once) I’m a little stumped on how to use them. You have a flair for simple but delicious recipes so I know you could whip up something great.
I’ve been following your Instagram stories and your travel spots look beautiful. I hope you’re having a fantastic time in Morocco!
Kate
Thanks for the comment, Melanie! I have leek recipes on my list of requests, as a couple of other readers have also noted that they’d like to see some. Keep an eye out for it!
Marsha McDonough
KATE,. Have a wonderful time in beautiful Morrocco. The food is amazing. Please bring back inspiration for recipes on making the fabulous veggie dips–carrot, eggplant, etc.,–that are served as first courses with bread. Marsha
Kate
Thanks, Marsha! I’ve been having such an amazing time, and the food is absolutely phenomenal. I’ll come back with plenty of inspiration!
Devan @ Eating with Emmy Lou
I absolutely love the idea to highlight what’s in season this month! I am drooling over these recipes and can’t wait to try a few!!
Christina
That Mark Bittman & David Katz article is amazing! Love it!
Also — I made your Thai Mango Slaw from Love Real Food last night and, dang girl! Great stuff :)
Kate
Perfect! Thank you, Christina.
Marsha
This recipe sounds delicious.
Please consider removing the automatic videos from your site. I often come to your website during during work hours when I need a distraction for a few minutes (which I’m allowed to do). However, the video noise can be distracting to my co-workers. Having videos that play automatically on a website is aggravating. I need my sound on to listen for emails and other notifications, so I can’t mute it. I have no problems with silent ads so you make money. I would even contribute to you, like I do to Wikipedia.
Kate
Hi Marsha, I’m sorry you find this distracting and frustrating. Unfortunately, there are limitations with the plug-ins. This is something you can control with your own web browser, if you would like. Hope this helps!
Libby Wong-Maharaj
I hope you enjoyed the Easter weekend. I love to receive your emails and share your recipes with my friends. You have such great ideas, so many creative, colourful and healthy ways to eat. Happy Spring! My niece loves asparagus so we always get some to roast with other veggies for special occasions like Easter.
Kate
I hope you did as well! Thanks for your kind words, Libby.
Cassie Autumn Tran
I am SOOOOO ready for the month of sweet potatoes and avocado! And who could forget cauliflower, mushrooms, and Brussels sprouts?! No doubt that it’s going to be a delicious month for me! <3
Kate
I am too! Come on spring.
Codrut Turcanu
dear Kate, never have I eaten asparagus — thank you for the idea though! :)
Keep up the great work!
Kate
Let me know what you think!
Heather Leigh
Kate, I always love these posts! It’s great to see favorite recipes (seedy slaw & sushi bowl) and be reminded of ones I want to try out! The funny thing about this month is:
I have that camera & love it (we have a little bulletin board collage in our guest room of pictures by our visit)!
I’ve been using YogaGlo for a few years and it’s the best. I have a few favorite yogis I always recommend. So glad you found it.
The 10×10 challenge is totally my jam. Love doing it! It’s brought renewed love to some of my old pieces in times past.
I’m in between careers so I hate the “what do you do” question right now… will definitely read that article for alternatives.
Can’t say much else other than I guess that great minds think alike!
Kate
I love it, Heather! Great minds :) Thanks for the comment.
J
Just printed out a recipe for a friend and it was 3 pages long! At least one of those pages had little if anything to do with the recipe. Please a warning when that is going to happen or shorten it somehow.
Kate
I’m sorry! If you go to the print icon in the recipe, that should help.
Emily Graves
Hi Kate,
You may want to check out Five Parks Yoga on YouTube.. I really love her yoga videos and she has a lot to choose from too.
Kate
I might just have to take a look!
Hayley
Love love LOVE that cauliflower soup. Probably one of my all time favourite recipes. A few others on this list here I can’t wait to try. Thank-you Kate!
Kate
I’m glad you love it! You’re welcome, Hayley!
Caitlin
This is the best post! Everything looks so fresh and delicious and love that it’s with the upcoming season!
Kate
Thank you, Caitlin!
Cassie Autumn Tran
I love all of these vegetables–give me the cauliflower, sweet potatoes, beets, avocado, greens, Brussels sprouts, broccoli, mushrooms, and peas! My friend and I recently made this delicious sauteed Brussels sprouts dish with chickpea pasta, garlic, and onions for dinner, then roasted Japanese sweet potatoes for breakfast another morning! Such a wonderful way to celebrate the spring produce without even knowing it!
Kate
Thank you, Cassie!
Maya
On cosmetics: this makes me feel so grateful that I live in Europe. In the EU the Cosmetics Regulation is hundreds of pages long. There are 13,000 ingredients banned or limited in cosmetics in the EU, and 8 in the US.
Kate
Thank you for sharing, Maya.
Melissa
5Stars! This was delicious! The toasted pumpkin seeds and the dressing really make this salad. This one is going to be on my regular meal prep rotation for sure. Thank you for sharing. =)
Kate
You’re welcome, Melissa!
Lynn Troy
I love your recipes. Your website is getting difficult to look at due to all the ads. Sorry to complain.
Kate
Hi Lynn, thank you for your feedback! I do appreciate it.
Sam H.
Thank you so much for sharing Whoorl!!! I’ve been searching the internet up and down in search of natural beauty product reviews and this blog is exactly what I needed. :)
Kate
Great to hear, Sam!
Ashley
Katie, I just want to emphasize how much I LOVE these posts! Especially now that we’re finally subscribing to a CSA, you’re right on the money with what’s *in* our boxes, and it helps so much with the “what do I make with this?” questions when I’m feeling stumped — especially since you’re one of my most trusted food bloggers in terms of delicious recipes!
Kate
I’m happy you enjoy them and that you have faith in my recipes!
Hayley
I make your cauliflower soup all year round, but cauliflower is definitely at its cheapest and most beautiful in the early spring and fall!
Kate
Thanks for sharing, Hayley!
mary
What a lovely line up of ingredients – Hoping I can find some produce!
Jessica
So nice of you to offer to help! One thing I’d find really useful is a list of common (or not so common) substitutions. I’m trying to limit grocery runs, and especially want to avoid making a trip just for the one ingredient I don’t have. It would be great to know what I can use instead!
Dennis Yannakos
It looks so yummy, Kate. I’ll try this recipe! Thank you so much for sharing!
HW
Hi Kate. Thanks so much for all your tips catered to our current situation. I would love to know if you have ideas for how to use canned/frozen vegetables. I typically don’t use them (because the textures have been ruined after freezing or canning), but I have some now as fresh produce is harder to come by. Specifically, I would love to know if you have a non-dairy use for frozen broccoli.
mixer tap with pullout hose
Thes peanut choko bars was super delicous
Catherine @ Peaches and Pennies
Hi Kate! I just wanted to let you know that I LOVE these seasonal produce roundup posts. I’ve been reading them every month for at least a year. Thank you!
Lilian B
Thank you for the seeds link, Kate! I *just* finished prepping a new garden last weekend, and left space for heirloom tomatoes in case I found good seeds, and my husband love hot peppers, so I had to click. And in browsing I also discovered they have ground cherry seeds, which are a fruit I love but haven’t had since leaving the Midwest! I’m so excited to get seeds next week!
abir
thank you for sharing these amazing recipes, i would definestly try them !!
scotroy
this is amazing content thank you very much
Shipra
Absolutely love the healthy banana bread & muffins. Family favourite now. No more waste of overripe bananas. I’m glad I found your blog. Cheers.
Kate
Glad to hear it, Shipra! Stay tuned for a banana pancake recipe coming soon—another great use for overripe bananas!
Maria Paglialungo
Yes we love your recipes why are first we were drawn here. Now seeing Grace snd your new lab so precious adorable snd brings such joy. Thanks for sharing your beautiful family. Can’t wait to try recipes
Kate
Thank you, Maria!
Megan
These posts are great. I absolutely love your farro salads and make them on repeat! Would love more if you’re feeling inspired. I tried to create my own recipe, but it was not great.
Lin
Thank you so much Kate for continuing to bring us wonderful recipes! I know you are so busy with all the bearers of that cuteness!! Happy Spring!
Linda Benedict
I’ve made your Spring Veggie Stir Fry twice in the last two weeks. The first time we enjoyed it over brown rice, the second time over bulgur. My husband loved it and I do too!! Love that your recipes are so fresh and healthy. I gave your cookbook to my daughter, daughter-in-law and myself for Christmas. Love all the recipes. The granola recipe is fabulous and addictive. Thank you for giving us these wonderful and delicious recipes to enjoy.
Kate
Linda, thank you so much for your note! Delighted to hear that my recipes are turning out well for you. Thank you for supporting my book, too! That really means a lot.
Johanna
Hi Kate – I waited a few days to send you a message because – well – it is just so sad when you lose a pet. I have lost so so many and each one takes a piece of my heart when they go. And then there are some who seem to take my entire heart with them. But then another comes along – and well – you know how it goes. I’m going to share some advice – and everyone has a different thought on this. But years ago my girl Lucy passed away. The next morning my mom came to the house when the funeral director picked her up. I was a wreck and my mom asked me to run errands with her. To my surprise – she drove straight to the shelter. I was still crying and asked what in the world she was doing. She said – I’m going to go walk a dog who needs some attention. Want to come? I said no – but after a few minutes I got out of the car and went and walked dogs that were just begging for attention. That became my way to find peace and solace and gave me that feel good feeling because I was helping a dog. I decided it was time to get another and I went to every shelter and every adoption fair – and I realized that we don’t pick out our dogs. They pick us. I was so sad because I wanted a dog so badly. Each day as I left the shelter I would say good-bye to all the dogs. And one day – there was a precious little girl sitting in the corner of her cage. I walked back and she licked my fingers. I took her outside to a running pen and she ran to the end and ran back, sat down and leaned against me. I knew she was the one. I adopted Daisy and she lived for 19 years. I had to let her go 4 years ago – and that opened the door for Lola. But my message is – be open to the communication from them. You may not be ready – but one might just think you are. And – I always feel it is the absolute greatest tribute to take that love you have learned from your friend and pass it on to another in need. Cookie taught you to love in a very special way – pass that on. Be open to a new heart coming into your life. She taught you and it is such a great way to honor her memory. Take care and my thoughts are with you.
Kate
Thank you for your kind words, Johanna!
Merridy
I am in my 80’s and have lost a number of dogs. The pain never goes away, but you will live to love another wonderful dog.
Alison MacGregor
I wanted to tell you yesterday how sorry I am that Cookie is gone. Couldn’t find the right place. Anyway, please accept my condolences. Losing a a dog is heartbreaking. Dogs find their way deep into your heart and change your life forever. I have been there too. I hope all your wonderful memories of Cookie will bring you comfort through the worst of this and onward from there.
Michelle Bouchard
Just wanted to reach out and say how sorry I am that you lost your beloved Cookie! What a lovely tribute to a beautiful pup…
I also have to tell you that so far all of your recipes have been spot on! Easy to make, and easier to eat! thank you thank you thank you for sharing your talent and making a vegetarian lifestyle less boring and bland, and way more “doable” !!
Hugs to you and your family as you grieve.
Jean Salk
I am so sorry for your loss. Dogs are the most amazing companions and it’s just heartbreaking when we have to say good-bye to them. I hope you find peace in remembering all the wonderful times you and Cookie had together.
Thanks for all your wonderful recipes! I so appreciate having your blog to go to when I’m searching for something new and delicious to cook.
Emily
This list of recipes is exactly what I’m looking for. Seasonal viruses hanging around my household have got me jonesing for some fresh, healthy spring meals.
Thinking of you, your family and Cookie. Thanks for sharing her with us all.
Cindy
I just opened your most recent email and read about Cookie. I am sorry for your loss, I too have lost a beloved pet and know the complete heartache it causes. I hope in time you find joy in the memories, I will certainly enjoy looking at all the Cookie photos in your cookbook.
My husband and I love all of your recipes. I look forward to seeing what you are cooking up in the future.
Take good care
Kate
Thank you for sharing your kind words, Cindy. I appreciate all your support.