The Top 10 Reasons to Get Excited for Spring

By: Michelle Buffardi

Spring has sprung, officially. Which means that produce options open right up -- not unlike windows in homes everywhere -- as freshly grown produce floods the marketplace. While it was nice to eat apples, squash, potatoes and onions all winter, it's no doubt time to wave goodbye and welcome a new round of delectable fruits and vegetables. Here's a round-up of the 10 spring superstars we're psyched to see arriving in the next couple of months, and some great recipes to make the most of them.

10. Asparagus

Asparagus Wrapped in Proscuitto With Beurre Blanc (above)

Sesame Grilled Asparagus

Asparagus and Zucchini Crudi

Spinach-Ricotta Pesto Pasta With Proscuitto and Asparagus

9. Beets

Roasted Beet Salad

Roasted Beet Borscht

Beet Ravioli

Spicy Beet Ice Cream

8. Peas

Spring Pea Soup (above)

Crepes With Peas

Sweet Pea and Scallop Risotto

7. Arugula

Rolled Chicken Sandwich With Arugula and Parsley Aioli

Arugula Caramelized Onion and Goat Cheese Pizza

Arugula Pesto

Arugula Salad With Ultimate Viniagrette

6. Rhubarb

Rhubarb and Strawberry Pie (above)

Rhubarb Parfait

Speedy Rhubarb Fool

Strawberry Rhubarb Calzone

5. Fava Beans

Fava Beans With Mint

Pea and Fava Bean Salad

Spicy Fava Bean Fritters

4. Radishes

Orange, Radish and Mint Salad

Radish and Sesame Soy Noodle Salad

Grilled Shrimp With Mango, Lime and Radish Salsa

3. Spinach

Spinach and Green Apple Salad

Grilled Chicken With Spinach and Pine Nut Pesto

Spinach and Ricotta Gnocchi

Paneer With Spinach

2. Strawberries

Strawberry and Marscarpone Granita (above)

Strawberry Shortcake

Strawberry Bellinis

Candied Pecan and Stawberry Salad

1. Sandals

What are you looking forward to most this spring?

http://www.cookingchanneltv.com/recipes/ell

ie-krieger/spinach-and-green-apple-salad-recipe/index.html

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