Ramps/wild leeks. Garlicky in flavour. Grill or saute.

I love Spring! It is truly my favorite season of the year.  I don't even mind the showers. Which in New England are inevitable, although today it's more like freezing rain. I'm not sure if being born in Spring has anything to do with it, but I think it's the anticipation that gets me giddy. When the first flowers begin to emerge, I can barely contain myself. Already, I'm dreaming of my favorite foods; Ramps, morels, fiddleheads and favas. And the dishes I will create with these amazing ingredients. Recipes are literally percolating in my head.

It's time to prepare the garden for planting.  I'm itching to to don my garden gloves and put my shovel to use. Ready to dive in there, get dirty and start turning over the soil. I think about what I will plant, all winter long. With only three raised beds, I manage to plant a lot in such a small space. This year's garden will hopefully yield some great produce. Zucchini, yellow squash, juicy heirloom tomatoes, red bells, thai eggplant, fingerling potatoes, blueberries and favas.  Now if only Mother Nature would cooperate. I'm waiting patiently. I love SPRING!

Recipes to come as soon as I can get my hands on the ingredients.

Potato and Ricotta Gnocchi w/ sauteed ramps and fiddleheads, garlic roasted morels and sundried tomatoes

Balsamic glazed Filet of Salmon w/ english pea Risotto

Fava Crostini with shaved fennel and pecorino

Crispy fried Baby Artichoke Chips with Fava puree