Fruits and veggies are full of vitamins and nutrients, but eating them can do some funky things to your body. We all know that beans can make you gassy and onions can cause bad breath, but here are some of produce's effects on the body that might not be as familiar. Asparagus: After eating some grilled spears with dinner, you may notice an odoriferous effect when you use the restroom. Does Read more

While we are ready to welcome Summer, it's time to say goodbye to asparagus. The peak of the season begins in April and commences with the end of June. Make sure to get in your favorite recipes before it's too late! Asparagus Lasagna Raw Asparagus Salad Asparagus Pizza Pancetta-Wrapped Asparagus Asparagus Soup Asparagus Crostini Read more

Panzanella is an Italian bread salad that's traditionally made in the Summer with day old bread, tomatoes, and basil. However, I love this salad and I make it year-round. So does Michael Chiarello, apparently, because he's got recipes for Spring and Winter panzanellas that incorporate seasonal ingredients. Over the weekend I was invited to a picnic and decided it was the ideal time to experiment Read more

Although I wouldn't consider a classic lasagna to be a fast and easy weeknight meal option, this variation, with a simple asparagus-ricotta filling and no sauce, is ideal for a middle of the week pick-me-up. The ingredient list calls for pancetta, but I had bacon in my fridge, so that's what I used. If you're a vegetarian, leave it out. The best part of this lasagna is the sun-dried tomato paste Read more

Making a pizza is a great way to incorporate seasonal veggies (like asparagus) into an easy meatless dinner. This uncomplicated pizza is topped with creamy ricotta, melted mozzarella, fresh asparagus, green garlic, and a zesty lemon vinaigrette. I've found that the best way to get a crispy crust is to prebake the crust to a light golden color. Before I top the pizza with the fresh ingredients, Read more

Ever noticed how asparagus has a more robust, nutty flavor when you roast it in the oven with olive oil than when you blanch or steam it? I'd always assumed that was just because, well, roasting makes everything taste better, but it turns out there's actually a scientific explanation behind the difference. According to Fat Duck chef Heston Blumenthal, the flavor molecules in asparagus are water Read more

Happy Easter! By the time the day is over, your Easter meals — breakfast, brunch, dinner, or all three! — will be nothing but a pleasant memory. But chances are, you'll be stuck with some leftovers to remember them by. Wondering what to do with all that smoky ham, roasted asparagus, and (of course!) hard-boiled eggs? Here are some of our favorite uses for Easter leftovers to get you through Read more

Roast chicken and potatoes is one of my go-to meals for quick entertaining. All you have to do is season with herbs and olive oil and toss the two ingredients in the oven. However, when I'm in the mood for something a little more special than chicken, I change it up and use delicate, flaky salmon fillets. The key is to cook each of the elements (potatoes, asparagus, salmon) for different amounts Read more

Still wondering what to serve on Easter? I've got the perfect seasonal appetizer for you: asparagus crostini with smoked salmon and cheese. It's crispy, creamy, salty, and delicious. It's also an incredibly versatile hors d'oeuvre that can be offered morning, noon, or night and paired with lemonade, sparkling wine, or cocktails. The different components (crostini, cheese mixture, and sautéed Read more