Yes, spring has arrived. Though we in Northeast Ohio have dealt with a long and harsh winter, it is now time for warmer weather, blossoming buds and, of course, bright spring flavors. If you need a fun treat to make these sweet, sunny days all the more brighter, The SHS Courier has got you covered. Below are five delicious recipes to try.
1. Lemon Bars With Olive Oil and Sea Salt
I love lemon bars. They are a universally loved, classic, tangy springtime treat. But, they can be a bit cloying sometimes. To really have a good lemon bar, you need to add something else to complement its already delicious flavors. Though pistachios, berries and coconut are among my favorite additions to the classic recipe, these olive oil bars from The NYT are some of the best bars I’ve ever had. The bitter finish of the olive oil paired with a dash of sea salt cuts through the overly-sugary flavor perfectly– it elevates them so much. This dish is definitely great to bring to any get-together.
2. Pistachio Cupcakes with Strawberry Buttercream
If you’re sick of the typical vanilla and chocolate flavors of a vast majority of cupcakes, this recipe is a perfectly unique way to step out of your comfort zone. For one, pistachios are already super unappreciated in the desert world– they deserve way more credit than what people give them. This recipe tickles that itch for me. The nutty flavor profile of the batter paired with tart, ripe strawberry frosting is heavenly. If you’re ever in the mood to make cupcakes, definitely give this recipe a shot.
3. Coconut Macaroons
A vast majority of the people I talk to get macaroons and macarons mixed up. While both originated in Italy, the small, delicate look of macarons is instantly recognizable. Macaroons, on the other hand, are not. But, I actually prefer macaroons– the dense and chewy texture, combined with the delicious taste of coconut, is perfection. They are often dipped in chocolate, as done in the recipe linked above, which only makes them all the more delicious. And, they aren’t very difficult to make either. I truly do not understand why they are so underrated. Give these cookies a try– even if they aren’t as aesthetic as macarons, they taste much better.
4. Italian Pistachio Cookies
Once again: a recipe where pistachios are the star of the show. While I think these can be enjoyed at any time of the year, I enjoy making this simple treat in the spring just because of how simple it is. With only five ingredients, you can whip these up in less than an hour. Its lemony taste and delicate texture are perfect for those early spring days– when it’s starting to get sunny out, but the cold and snow still lingers. These are the epitome of the perfect spring cookie.
5. Daffodil Cake
Named after one of the signs of early spring, daffodil cake tastes similar to an angel food cake. It is also beautiful. Made from two sponge cake batters–one bright white and the other sunny yellow–it is reminiscent of the budding flowers that welcome spring. With the juice of an orange and a lemon, this cake is bright, citrusy and absolutely delicious. Because of its flat shape, it’s easy to give the cake whimsical, fun decorations to make it look all the better. If you want to bring something impressive to a spring gathering, this cake should be a top contender.
