As the freezing cold months of winter finish wearing off, a new season has bloomed in Montclair. Although the rise in temperature is giving people a sense of anticipation for summer, many others are asking themselves a familiar question: What do I make now? Whether you’re an advanced or beginner cook, executing new recipes can become difficult at times. 

To help with your transition from heavy winter meals to lighter spring and summer plates, here are a few essential tips and tricks: 

Flavor Combinations

Mastering these five tasty pairings is a perfect way to start your springtime menu. 

• Blueberry and Lemon: The zesty lemon and semi-sweet blueberry mixture not only tastes great, but looks delicious on a plate.
• Strawberry and Spinach: I know, it sounds insane. However, strawberries and spinach can act as a natural and earthy side dish to your favorite meal. 
• Melon and Salt: Popular in Southern America, the sugary taste of watermelon paired with just a bit of salt is a nice sweet and savory combination. 
• Mint and Lamb: This classic heavy and light flavor mixing is a yummy alternative to other pairings, such as veal and asparagus. 
• Peas and Mint: Many find that mint’s pungent and cooling savor complements the starchy filling inside peas. “Its a tasty combination,” said private chef Brian Min.

Cooking Hacks 

Keeping these three essential cooking hacks in mind is a great way to save both time and energy in the kitchen. 

• Crisp Greens: Stuffing a clean paper towel into a bag of greens (like spinach for example) is a simple way to absorb its moisture and make your salad crispier.
• Rolling Lemons: Prior to slicing open a lemon or lime, roll it firmly on a board with your palm. This makes squeezing out the juice much easier as its juice pockets are broken inside. 
• The Vegetable “Spa”: If your roots, stalks, or leafy greens have gone limp, place them in an ice bath and let them sit for 30 minutes. They’ll come back fresher and brighter! 

Recipes

Here are some delicious recipes to kick off the warmer days: 

• Cashew Chicken: This quick and easy cashew chicken stir fry is perfect for satisfying the whole family with its sweet and savory notes. 
• Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream: Indulge in this minimal effort strawberry shortcake ice cream, only needing seven ingredients to stir it up! 
• Egg Bites: These simple and portable egg bites are packed with fresh veggies and gooey cheese, and are amazing for meal preparations.
• (Vegetarian) Stuffed Bell Peppers: Packed with a “punch”, these stuffed bell peppers are great as a filling and diverse treat.

Rules to Cook by

These four main guidelines will set you up for success during spring. 

• Colorful plates: Ensuring that your spring plate has a wide variety of colors supports both health and palette expansion. Makes it look as good as it tastes! 
• Seasoning for the season: Don’t be afraid to generously spice up your food, as it will definitely make a difference. “Anything with rosemary, thyme, and some citrus is great,” said private chef and instructor Avenly Galardi. 
• Respect the balance: For every soft texture profile you use, try to pair it with something crunchy or harder. This balance is what makes or breaks an appetizing dish. 
• Herb Tests: Smell your herbs before you mix them into anything. If they have little-to-no smell, add more to your food. If they have a strong, noticeable smell, use as little as possible.

Finding Your Style 

Building a personal style in cooking begins with remembering that recipes are only suggestions, not rules. You may find yourself substituting classic ingredients for your own, and if you do, don’t be worried. 

Some people enjoy thicker and heavier foods during warm weather, as it presents a general feeling of comfort. Others, such as myself, prefer brighter sustenance. “I enjoy the change to lighter food and vibrant colors,” said chef Matt Egan. 

Regardless of preference, every cook’s goal should be to not rely on other’s opinions. Leaning into your creative vision not only initiates a voice that is your own, but also makes cooking a natural extension of who you are.