Ep 3. Say Hello to the Flavors of Spring

Valerie's Home Cooking season 7 episode 3, "Say Hello to the Flavors of Spring," celebrates the fresh, vibrant ingredients of the season. Valerie creates a delicious menu that highlights the best flavors of spring, from asparagus and rhubarb to strawberries and mint.

First up on the menu is a spring pea soup with crispy pancetta, which Valerie makes by pureeing fresh peas, chicken stock, and aromatics in the blender. She then tops the soup with crispy pancetta for a salty, crunchy contrast.

Next, Valerie prepares a bright and colorful salad with roasted beets, goat cheese, and candied pecans. She roasts the beets until they are tender and caramelized, then layers them on a bed of arugula with crumbled goat cheese, candied pecans, and a zesty orange vinaigrette.

For the main course, Valerie makes a light and flavorful lemon and herb-marinated chicken with asparagus and new potatoes. She marinates the chicken in a mixture of lemon juice, garlic, and fresh herbs before grilling it to perfection. She then roasts the asparagus and potatoes with olive oil and seasonings for a simple and delicious side.

Finally, Valerie tops off the meal with a refreshing strawberry and rhubarb crisp, which she makes by tossing fresh strawberries and rhubarb with sugar and a touch of cornstarch before baking it with a crunchy oat topping.

Throughout the episode, Valerie shares tips and tricks for cooking with seasonal ingredients, from how to choose the best produce to how to properly clean and prep each ingredient.

"Say Hello to the Flavors of Spring" is a must-watch for anyone looking to add some fresh, vibrant flavors to their meal repertoire. Valerie's easy-to-follow recipes and expert tips make it easy to create delicious, seasonal meals at home.