Spring in PNW

It’s starting to get sunnier here and it just effortlessly brightens your day. Literally feels like every person around you is happier when the sun is out. I love the rain, and the Fall, and the holidays in the PNW, but this is what we look forward to once that’s over.. Spring and Summer. Time for water play, re-potting the houseplants, sitting on the porch. It’s rewarding, this sun, after surviving 9 months in the cold, rainy gloom! But yay, the gray skies will soon come to an end. It’s the seasonal cycle of PNW living - you hibernate for 9 months and you’re outdoors for 3.

With every season comes the mood for certain dishes. Spring reminds me of bright colors and flavors. I’m thinking citrus, berries, grilled meat and veggies. I’m excited to try new dishes, cake flavors, and maybe tweak some of my go-to dishes. I’ve been really loving our Lodge Dutch Oven lately. I normally use an InstantPot for stews, just because it’s a quick 1.5 hrs and the meat is tender. But cooking in the Dutch Oven does just as well - low and slow. Next up on my to-do list, some pastel-colored desserts, now that Easter is just around the corner. I’ve always wanted to make a speckle-colored frosting. Guess it’s time!