"From Winter to Spring"

Hello everyone......as I look out the window I've still got alot of snow on the ground but I'm thinking "warm thoughts"! The transition from winter to spring is always a great food time and during the last few weeks of winter a good time to cook a few more hearty recipes. It seems like I always miss one or two cold weather favorites every year that we all enjoy, so maybe a bit more cold weather isn't a bad thing. Don't overlook your crockpot for a great cooking method for a "stick to the ribs" kind of meal. Something easy like a chuck or shoulder roast of beef, sweet onions,carrots,potatoes,celery,garlic, beef broth, salt and pepper. A nice salad, crusty bread and you have a great simple meal. So take a look at your recipes before winter leaves and I'll bet you find one or two you forgot to make for your gang!

SPRING!!!!!! BRING IT ON..........I'm ready. Even with year-round avalability I think of two items every spring, Vidalia sweet onions and asparagus. Local asparagus is alot of fun because usually it's not size graded so you get everything from skinny to fat and it tastes great. Keystone's white asparagus is a super item to add to the plate as well. Top the asparagus with some raw Vidalia sweet onions, vinaigrette and goat cheese for a colorful spring platter. If you haven't used much white asparagus check our website at www.keystonefruit.com and click on recipes. We have a number of great tasting, easy to prepare recipes that will add that something special to any meal.

Over the next few weeks I'll be adding some new recipes on our website for spring. The Keystone Kitchen has been busy with recipe development so I hope you try some of the new dishes with your family and friends. Make sure you try the new guacamole recipe with grilled Vidalia sweet onions and tomato. The grilling really puts some new life into an old favorite. We've also been working with quinoa in several recipes for great side and main course items.

So, keep warm, thinks warm thoughts and cook-up some great food. Until spring, enjoy the last piece of winter!