{Guest Post} – Entertain Seasonally this Spring

If you are looking for spring menu items, you are going to love the following post from Meredith K. Read on for Meredith’s post on how to seasonally entertain in style this spring:

Entertain Seasonally this Spring

Spring is finally in full swing, which is great news for anyone who likes to cook. When it comes to seasons, spring is full of opportunities for fresh food and entertaining, whether it’s at an airy outdoor garden party, a casual picnic in the park or grilling hot dogs before a baseball game. There’s just something about warm temperatures and sunshine that makes you want to spend time outside with good company and good food!

You can’t go wrong entertaining with any fresh produce this spring, but there are some ingredients that come into season in April that can help your appetizers, sides and entrees taste even more flavorful. Try incorporating the following fresh spring ingredients into your cooking and impress your guests at any event you host this spring:

Artichokes

Did your latest experience with artichokes involve the Super Bowl and a thick cheesy dip? Artichoke dip is undeniably yummy, but this spring, leave the heavy stick-to-your-ribs appetizers to the cold winter months and give artichokes a fresh update! This Greek-Style Pizzauses lighter-than-air phyllo dough, spinach, tomatoes, artichokes and feta for an easy appetizer that’s bursting with fresh veggie flavor. Cut it into small squares for manageable, hand-held apps.

Spinach

This great-for-you super food also comes into season in April and the possibilities for cooking with spinach are endless. A spinach salad is bound to be a hit at any party, but if you’re going for kid-friendly, try sneaking it into other dishes instead. This BLT pasta salad holds definite crowd appeal courtesy of the bacon, tomatoes, chicken and noodles, and the spinach adds a gorgeous pop of color and a whole lot of nutrients to an already yummy dish. It’s the perfect dish for a backyard BBQ or a picnic lunch.

Peas

Another green goodie? Peas! Tiny and easy to work with, peas will help brighten up any dish this spring. This tomato ‘risotto’ is a dish that looks a lot more impressive and time-consuming than it actually is, and makes a fantastic compliment to grilled chicken, steak, fish or shrimp.

Maple syrup

Maple syrup isn’t just for pancakes and waffles anymore. It comes into season in April alongside fresh vegetables and is the perfect way to add a touch of sweetness to any meal. It’s delicious in marinades for fish or chicken, can be used in baking and pastries and can even be incorporated into yummy party dips like this maple yogurt dip recipe below. Try it out with sweet potato fries or fresh fruit for a delicious, light appetizer.

Maple Yogurt Dip

· 1 qt. plain yogurt

· 2 tsp maple flavor/extract

· 1 Tbsp maple syrup (can substitute 1 Tbsp honey)

Mix well. Serve only on the day made.

Optional: Drain the yogurt in a cheese cloth for a thicker, richer dip.

Author Bio: This is a guest post by Meredith K. on behalf of Hunt’s. For more easy entertaining recipes for this spring, from tomato recipes to easy lasagna recipes, visit www.hunts.com.