The 12 Recipes We Can't Wait to Make This April
Fresh produce is coming at the perfect time.
Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
Somehow it's a new month already—but if you're like us, you're more than ready. So move over corned beef, Shamrock Shakes, and March Madness (okay, maybe we're still watching that), April is here and we're ready to shed some layers and start gathering rhubarb and asparagus to make seasonal favorites. Temperatures might still be yo-yo-ing but that doesn't mean we can't start grilling, right? Here are the dishes we have bookmarked to cook in April. Come join us in the kitchen!
Carrot Cake Cookies
Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
While we may have enjoyed carrot cake as a celebratory centerpiece last month, the time for more has definitely not passed. So why not try carrot cake in cookie form with this easy recipe? As creator Melissa says, "These carrot cake cookies are light and moist. They have a delicious cream cheese frosting for all the goodness of a carrot cake in the convenience of a cookie! Perfect for potlucks and picnics."
Healing Cabbage Soup
DOTDASH MEREDITH FOOD STUDIOS
Depending on where you live, you are probably still experiencing temperature swings and lingering sniffles. Use up that leftover cabbage from St. Patty's Day for this soup to help along the way. Editor Corey Williams puts it perfectly: "Whether you're feeling under the weather or you're just in the mood for a bowlful of comfort, warm up with this cozy cabbage soup recipe. It's easy, tasty, and incredibly customizable (so you can keep it simple or get as creative as you want)."
Copycat Chili’s Queso Dip
Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
It's no longer March but the madness is still in full swing, with the championship coming up this weekend. Skip the takeout and cook up a batch of this copycat queso dip that is a deliciously cheesy game-time snack perfect for watching basketball or welcoming in baseball season.
"Was super easy to put together. I used Hormel Beans, less chili, and the spices recommended! Was very good and I made it in a cast iron pan and kept it on warm on my induction stove! Will make it again!"
Allrecipes Member Barbara Welty
Crispy Caesar Chicken Cutlets
Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
This newcomer to our site uses Caesar dressing and ground croutons to coat chicken in a flavorful crust that cooks to crispy perfection in the air fryer. Serve this weeknight winner over a salad or in a sandwich or wrap.
Recipe Tips
Reviewers have suggested marinating the chicken in the Caesar dressing for extra flavor and using Caesar salad croutons or gluten-free bread crumbs for even more customization.
Strawberry Rhubarb Coffee Cake
Kim
Put a spring spin on a breakfast treat everyone will love. The three layers—cake, fruit filling, and crumb topping—balance each other out while rhubarb gets a chance to shine with its best friend strawberry by its side. This is a recipe we'll be making on repeat until our seasonal produce runs out.
Chef John's Chimichurri Sauce
Speaking of produce, this bright green (in both color and flavor) condiment is just what you need alongside the first steak of the grilling season. It also works on chicken, pork, fish, and veggies, adding flavor and tang to whatever is hot off the grates. Chef John lists parsley, cilantro, and oregano but you can throw in whatever herbs you have—you really can't go wrong. You can even add in those extra carrot tops you don't know how to use.
Marinated Flank Steak
Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
We can't mention steak and not throw in a recipe for that, too. And this flank steak is an easy choice any time of year. With almost 1,300 five-star reviews, our community of home cooks agrees. "Make sure you marinate your flank steak for at least 2 hours for best results or longer if you have time. This wonderful quick and easy recipe also works great when the steak is sliced and used for fajitas," says creator GUYCON.
Need sides to serve alongside your steak? We've got you covered with this delicious list of ideas.
Mushroom and Pea Risotto
Another dish meant for this in-between season, risotto is a comfort food we can all agree on—and it's easier to make than you might think. There are countless versions but nothing says April like mushrooms and peas to take classic rice dish up a notch. Top this rustic yet elegant plate with Pecorino Romano and freshly chopped parsley and dinner is served.
Asparagus Lasagna
Meredith Food Studios
If pasta is more your thing, this spring-inspired lasagna has your name on it—right next to ours. This is not only a fresh twist to take, but is a great way to use up leftover Easter ham.
""I was looking for a way to use up ham and have access to lots of fresh asparagus at this time of year—this recipe was just what I was looking for! I did tweak it; fresh asparagus, white wine, Italian seasoning, [and more]. Very tasty and a wonderful way to use up leftover ham! It's a keeper!"
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Allrecipes user Esther
Simple Broccolini
Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
Broccoli in any form is a must this month. One of our favorites to go with just about anything is this simple, three-step broccolini prepared with garlic, olive oil, lemon, and seasonings that's ready in just about 10 minutes. Because broccolini is more tender and mild than traditional broccoli, it's a crowd-pleaser. And the best part of this dish is that it tastes just as good cold as it does hot.
Dirt Cake
Whether this is part of an April Fools' Day joke or just part of a rainy weekend activity, good ol' Dirt Cake is a fun and delicious dessert. Who doesn't want to play in the dirt this spring? Decorate the little pots (or one large serving dish) with whatever candies you prefer, but don't forget the Oreo cookie crumbs.
Recipe Tip
"Garnish the flower pot cake with gummy worms; display it with a new garden trowel and artificial flowers for the full effect," says recipe creator Tammy Hooper.
B and L's Strawberry Smoothie
Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
To end off on a sweet and satisfying note, we're breaking out the blender for fresh fruit smoothies this month—starting with this icy cold treat featuring strawberries and yogurt. If your fruit is straight from the market, you don't even need the added sugar. We're sure glad to have spring produce coming into season. Happy April!
Read the original article on All Recipes.
