Fresh Spring Sides

Everything green comes up in the Spring and that includes delicious and nutritious sides.Some have been classics for generations, some are new thanks to the foraging movement.They can be made in a variety of ways,from salads to appetizers, from soups to sides.They bring the brightness of the season to the table. One of the most common and absolutely most delicious is asparagus.They are low in calories but high in vitamins and minerals.Look for stalks that are bright green,un blemished and stiff.One of the best ways to make them is Piedmontese style.Boil until soft,drain and place on a serving dish.Pour on about quarter of a cup of melted butter or margarine ,then cover with sliced ard boiled eggs and Parmesan cheese.You can also grill them hoverer seems to change their delicate flavor.Artichokes are also big on the Spring side scene.Theses can be served with individual ramekins filled with dressing.Dip the leaves in these.Stuffed artichokes are another nice side.Stuff with breadcrumbs mixed with olive oil and Parmesan cheese.Fried artichokes are a Passover treat inRome.These are easy to make and delicious with any meal.They are cut to the heart and double fried for ultimate crispness. Spring means foraging and the forests are full of edible goodies .However if you're feeling a bit wary about picking your own , then try to find them at your local market.Nettles are in season and can be used in a number of dishes.Be warned though about them though.They have sharp thorny stickers that can do damage to fingers and palms.Wear gloves when picking and handling.Once cooked then can be made into soup or even a pesto.Most Y used by Italians and Greeks they find their way into ravioli, sauces and spanokopita.You can male a lively nettlecsalad with the steamed greens and walnuts. Morels are another woodland treat that's a Spring favorite.This is a spongy looking mushroom with an earthier taste than regular mushroos.Morels can be breaded and then fired or cut up in a pasta sauce.As with their button cousins, they're also an excellent ingredient in a mushroom salad with red and green peppers, or just cooked with butter.Another idea is to create a wine sauce and overcchicken and rice. Spring is here and with come a variety of fresh vegetables.You can try the usual or the unusual.Both kinds add freshness and flavor toany warm weather meal!