Our Best Spring Menus

April 01, 2010
Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner
Enjoy the best menus of the season―al fresco entertaining, Easter celebrations, easy picnics, and family meals.
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Welcome Spring

Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner
Enjoy an elegant dinner of Spring Risotto, Salmon with Fresh Sorrel Sauce, and Fresh Peas with Mint that is surprisingly simple to make. The fresh spring flavors of mint, fava beans, peas, and new potatoes are highlights for this holiday-worthy menu.

View Menu: Welcome Spring 

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Garden Party

Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner
Throw an inviting outdoor luncheon fit for a bridal shower or a spring birthday celebration featuring Curried Chicken Salad Sandwiches, fresh Melon, Serrano Ham, and Arugula Salad, and Truffled Asparagus Crostini. Send guests home with Lemon Angel Food Cupcakes as delightful party favors.

View Menu: Garden Party  

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Easter Brunch Buffet

Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner

This menu features traditional recipes inspired by world cuisines from Ireland to Spain, and several dishes highlight spring flavors.

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Romantic Spring Picnic

Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner
Nothing unites the season and the senses like a picnic, and few alfresco events are as romantic. Choose foods like Barley-Salmon Salad With Arugula Vinaigrette and Blueberry Turnovers that require the least amount of fuss or assembly once at your site.

View Menu: Romantic Spring Picnic 

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Spring Pasta Meal

Photo: Randy Mayor
Pasta should be easy and delicious, like this Spring Linguine with Basil entrée. Prep the peas, cheese, and basil while the pasta water heats. Serve with multigrain bread, a Spinach Strawberry Salad and finish with Limoncello-Mint Sorbet with Fresh Blackberries for dessert.


Multigrain Bread with Honey Butter
Spinach Strawberry Salad
Limoncello-Mint Sorbet with Fresh Blackberries

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Easter Dinner

Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner

This festive meal is a pleasure to host because you do most of the preparation in advance. 

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Spring Luncheon

Photo: Randy Mayor
Chipotle Grilled Pork Tenderloin with Strawberry Avocado Salsa pairs beautifully with lemon orzo, haricots verts salad, and tasty cheese muffins. Relatives and friends will enjoy the menu's fresh seasonal flavors, perfect for spring gatherings like graduation parties, luncheons, or any special occasion.

View Menu: Spring Luncheon 

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Easter Brunch

Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner

Savor delicate, peak season fare with this festive meal.

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The Perfect Picnic

Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner
Add a blanket and your desired companion to our perfect picnic picks including Herb-Marinated Fresh Mozzarella Wraps and Strawberry-Kiwi Salad With Basil. Cashew-and-Golden Raisin Biscotti make a great not-too-sweet snack or dessert.

View Menu: The Perfect Picnic 

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Family Feast

Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner
Having family over? This casual family feast was created for relatives scattered throughout the country who maintain a tradition of coming together for a weekend of cooking. From the Northwestern-inspired Mushroom and Bacon-Stuffed Trout to Southern-style Grits and Greens (pictured), this menu will satisfy family members from all over.

View Menu: Family Feast 

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Spring Dinner Party

Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner
These company-worthy dishes such as Moroccan Cornish Hens, Mustard-Dressed Asparagus, and Grapefruit-and-Fennel Salad look as delicious as they taste―without any extra work.

View Menu: Spring Dinner Party 

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