961 spring recipes

Stuffed green bell peppers filled with brown rice, chopped nuts, and herbs simmered in tomato juice. A vegetarian main dish baked with the pepper lids on.

Frozen Christmas wreath ice ring built in layers with cranberries, lemon slices, and mint that mimic holly leaves and berries. A stunning floating centerpiece for holiday punch bowls that keeps drinks cold without dilution.

Authentic French onion soup built on a homemade veal-and-chicken stock and deeply caramelized onions, ladled over toasted croutons and broiled under a blanket of melted Gruyere. The real, from-scratch classic.

Annie Mae Jones' ham and white bean soup, a simple old-fashioned recipe that uses a leftover ham bone, white beans, and a few aromatics. Thickened with mashed beans the traditional way, no roux or cream required.

Sparkling fruit smoothies blend yogurt, fresh fruit, and a pinch of nutmeg, topped with champagne, sparkling water, or ginger ale. A fizzy brunch drink ready in minutes.

Canned white beans with ham knuckle, fresh herbs, lemon zest, and maple syrup bake into a shortcut version of classic baked beans. Ready in half the time with layers of flavor from thyme, rosemary, and Dijon mustard.

Green lentils simmered with lovage, thyme, orange peel, and shallots in a reduced butter sauce. A refined, herbaceous French-style lentil side dish with an unexpected citrus note.

Whole roasted chicken rubbed under the skin with garlic, lemon, and fresh rosemary, roasted alongside potatoes in one pan. A simple, elegant Easter dinner that serves 10.

Roasted turkey breast stuffed with fresh sage, thyme, parsley, and garlic, then wrapped in its own skin to seal in juices. A low-fat, herb-forward approach to turkey.

Hearty leftover turkey stew with fluffy dumplings, parsnips, carrots, and green beans in a rich homemade stock. The best way to turn your Thanksgiving carcass into a whole new meal.

Lobster with curry sauce from Bon Appetit: poached lobster medallions served over a silky reduction of tomato, Calvados, white wine, and warm curry spices. A dinner-party centerpiece with French technique.

Pommes Anna with tarragon: thin-sliced Yukon Gold potatoes layered with herb butter, baked tender, then broiled to a crisp golden top. An elegant French potato cake from a handful of ingredients.

As every angler knows, skillet-size brook, brown, and rainbow trout are never more tasty than when prepared this way. Can there be any tastier dish than the one that comes from this happy marriage of fresh trout and butter?

Whole herrings coated in crunchy oatmeal, pan-fried until golden, and served with caramelized apple rings. This traditional Irish breakfast or supper pairs rich fish with sweet fruit in under 15 minutes.

Rosemary kissed lamb and shallot skewers for the barbecue.

Classic mint julep with bourbon, fresh mint, powdered sugar, and shaved ice served in a silver mug. The official cocktail of the Kentucky Derby, ready in 5 minutes.