Spring started yesterday.

Fall remains to be my favorite time of year, followed by winter. But I have to admit the enthusiasm of people around me about longer, sunnier days is catching. I’m thinking about the produce that’s soon to fill local farmers’ markets and the season-appropriate recipes I’ll get to try my hand at. These are on my list!

Clockwise from the top are Smitten Kitchen’s Artichokes Braised in Lemon and Olive Oil, a recreation of Avocado Toast by Cafe Gitane in New York, a classic Salad Nicoise and Fried Squash Blossoms. Yum!

Also, the warmer weather and drier days signal my annual breadmaking musings, when I start thinking about all the wonderful homemade bread I can attempt to make. I say “attempt” because I always tell myself to start considering the exploration of all things bready this time of year, but I always forget. This year, however, I want to make a solid effort. I got myself a copy of Beard on Bread, which was my mom’s breadmaking bible when we were kids. Maybe this time I’ll actually turn out a roll or two!

Happy Monday, all.