Spring

Trimming tender baby artichokes is simple. As you go, transfer them to lemon water to keep them from turning brown.

This herbaceous aioli is also terrific spooned over simply prepared vegetables, such as boiled new potatoes or roasted ramps.

A drizzle of this herb pesto will complement virtually any savory dish, and it takes only minutes to make.

This is the time of year to try all different kinds of garlic--spring garlic, young garlic with unformed cloves, garlic scapes. Use any of them in this vegetable-packed egg drop soup recipe.

When cooked just right, the potatoes will be tender but should still hold their shape.

Onion flavor is layered in this dish: The greens have a brightness to balance the bulbs' sweetness, the cooking liquid becomes a butter sauce, and fresh chives deliver a high note to finish.

There are all kinds of radishes available at the markets in spring--use any shape or color that looks good to you.

Herbs in the dressing beg for herbs in the salad, too. We like to toss this vibrant, green vinaigrette with Bibb lettuce and lots of the tender herbs—like mint, chervil, and parsley. This recipe will dress about 8 cups of mixed greens, and you’ll want to use it all up at once—and close to when you start chopping (the garlic and chives won’t let this last longer than a few hours). Freshness is key here!

Bloomfield loves making this salad with black mint, which you'll find in spring and summer at farmers' markets.

This satisfying salad is great alongside broiled fish, roast chicken, or a simple steak. To turn into a vegetarian meal, fold in sliced hard-boiled eggs.

Sardines are one of the ocean’s most sustainable superfoods. Because they tend to fall apart, save half for topping the dish just before serving.

Risotto only sounds intimidating—if you can stir, you can make it. Poaching the eggs ahead of time should quell any lingering performance anxiety.

Muddled peas add a fresh twist. Pouring through a fine-mesh strainer makes for a clean-drinking cocktail.

Topping these fresh blini-like pancakes with smoked salmon would make an ideal appetizer for a party.