What to Cook This April
Thank you, thank you, thank you for your kind words and well wishes after sharing the news about Cookie’s passing. Dogs never live long enough and I always dreaded the day this would come. It’s surreal and so sad to be on the other side. I’m reading and re-reading your sentiments with a box of tissues and they are bringing me peace.
I never thought of it this way before, but one lovely way to remember Cookie will be to cook the recipes that I created with her by my side. There are so many! I have a few new ones ready to share with you once I can think again. I’m hugging our daughter close and tackling some spring cleaning projects for a distraction. I’ll be back soon to share more Cookie stories and photos—she was really something.
If you are here for recipes, I have many to share with you. April brings more seasonal produce to the table, including asparagus, beets and peas. You’ll find the full list below, and even more spring recipes here.
Asparagus
Spring Veggie Stir-Fry
Easily gluten free and vegan
“Love this stir-fry! I have made it several times now, all with different vegetables, and it has turned out great every time. So delicious and full of flavor. Thanks!” – Kiara
Avocado
Veggie Breakfast Sandwich
Potentially gluten free
“OMG these are so unbelievably delicious! I love the freshness and bite of the onion and arugula. This egg cooking method is a total game changer. This sandwich will definitely be added to my breakfast rotation! Thanks, Kate! And Cookie is such a cutie” – Nicole
Beets
Colorful Beet Salad with Carrot, Quinoa & Spinach
Gluten free and vegan
“This could be THE best salad I have ever made. I have a vegan friend who I am always trying to find interesting recipes for and she also loved it. I made it exactly as per your recipe apart from adding a mixture of toasted almond flakes and pumpkins seeds.” – Heather
Broccoli
Perfect Roasted Broccoli
Gluten free and vegan
This recipe is brand new, so please let me know how your broccoli turns out!
Brussels Sprouts
Coconut Rice with Brussels Sprouts from The Love and Lemons Cookbook
Gluten free and vegan
“Made this for dinner last night and it was wonderful! I can hardly wait for my Love and Lemons cookbook to arrive tomorrow. Thank you again” – Luann
More Brussels sprout recipes »
Cabbage
Simple Seedy Slaw
Gluten free and vegan
“Super easy to make and delicious, to boot! I forgot to pick up carrots so mine was cabbage only. Didn’t matter, my taste buds were beyond pleased.” – Sondra
Cauliflower
Creamy Roasted Cauliflower Soup
Gluten free and easily vegan
“Just finished making (and eating) this and it was absolutely delightful! Next time I will make a double batch because although I was making this for lunch this week, already half of it has disappeared! Thank you for the recipe!” – Cheryl
Citrus fruits
Honey Lemon Curd
Gluten free
“It turned out just perfect! Thank you for this wonderful recipe!” – Yelena
More lemon recipes » (also grapefruit, orange, lime and clementine)
Greens
Arugula, Dried Cherry and Wild Rice Salad with a Zippy Lemon Dressing
Gluten free and easily vegan
“We absolutely LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this salad. Our crowd includes a 4 and 6 yr old. Your recipes are all delicious and we have greatly enjoyed so many of them.” – Leigh
More arugula recipes » (also spinach)
Mushrooms
Arugula and Cremini Quiche with Gluten-Free Almond Meal Crust
Gluten free
“You just won my meat-eating friends over with this quiche! They’re going to be running over to C+K now for recipes! Thanks again for another hit! It’s so easy to be a “chef” with these fail proof recipes!” – Deepthi
Peas
Lemony Green Pasta with Peas & Ricotta
Easily gluten free and vegan
“Loved this pasta and my kids thought it was GREAT! It was our St. Patrick’s Day dinner. 🙂 They usually do not ‘green’ but after a polite bite they were wowed by the lemon.” – Malinda
Radishes
Lemony Lentil and Chickpea Salad with Radish and Herbs
Gluten free and easily vegan
“This. This was what I wanted tonight. Thank you for an amazing dinner!” – Debra
Sweet Potatoes
Mediterranean Roasted Sweet Potato & Farro Salad
Easily vegan
“I made this for supper tonight, and I love it! There might not be leftovers for tomorrow’s lunch. My grocery store didn’t have sumac, but I’ll have to get some for next time, because I’m definitely making it again!” – Emilie
Don’t forget to tag your recipe photos #cookieandkate so we can all see them! If you’re looking for an ingredient that didn’t make the list, check my new ingredient index for relevant recipes.
More resources you might appreciate: 23 make-ahead breakfast recipes, 45 recipes that pack well for lunch and 20 simple weeknight dinners. You can shop my essential kitchen equipment here. Don’t forget to follow us on Pinterest for a steady stream of recipe inspiration!