April 2010

You have to cheat a little to put spring on the plate this time of year. If you want to make a primavera (from the Italian, alla primavera means in the style of spring), you have no other choice. There are no fresh peas, but plenty of frozen sweet ones. Other greens come from markets in warmer climates. You can find plenty of sweet onions and fennel with bushy fronds. There are small carrots and parsnips; these sweet roots give the garnish a little heft.

Make a luxurious version of this dish with boneless halibut. Frozen artichoke hearts are simple to use and become flavorful in this mix of roasted vegetables.

Asian-style turkey burgers with this tangy fruit relish are a refreshing twist to the usual burger fare.

Having hard-cooked eggs on hand for Easter, once the dyeing and hunting are done, is a perfect excuse to make creamy, rich deviled eggs. They are delicious both seasoned simply and matched with all kinds of flavors. For instance, a combination of pickled beets and green apple provides a tangy-sweet crunch, while garlic, Parmesan, fresh basil, and salami bring to mind -- and taste buds -- a classic Italian antipasto. In a Japan-inspired version, scallions, sesame oil, and chopped seaweed balance nuttiness and onion against the brininess of the sea.

Dried crushed red pepper adds heat to the glazed carrots.

New Deal Fish Market, a family owned and operated business since 1928, is a retailer of fresh seafood and gourmet products.  Located in Cambridge Massachusetts, New Deal serves the walk-in public with the finest fresh seafood and gourmet food items meant to be prepared at home.