Friends, we almost made it! It's almost glorious spring! I can feel the warmth in the air, the sun calling my name, and the slight breeze making the winter doldrums disappear. Here in coastal NC, some of our produce markets are opening back up, becoming and enticing us to make amazing recipes. 

Here are some of the spring produce items that may be hitting a shelf near you soon.

1) Asparagus.  

This greeny veggie is NOT my favorite in taste or texture, but yet it has so many beautiful qualities to aid our overall health. From blood sugar prevention to digestive health, we can get our folate, iron, vitamin C, riboflavin, and zinc on by consuming this green root. 

While asparagus can be chopped & sliced to suit your sautéed, fried, roasted, simmered, and grilled needs, try this Taste of Home's Spring Asparagus recipe! 

2) Spinach. 

My favorite salad leafy green, spinach also gives us iron & vitamin C, along with much-needed potassium and magnesium. PS- magnesium helps keeps those nightly leg cramps at bay! No matter what the interwebs tells you, spinach cooked and raw has the same nutritional value (ok, maybe not if you slather your favorite dressing on it, so keep it lite!).

Spice up your morning routine and make these Muffin- Tin Spinach & Mushroom mini quiches. I'd be quick to substitute bell peppers for the mushrooms as I can't eat them. Yes, this does take eggs, so be sure to check your egg supply before diving in! 

3) Strawberries. 

Depending on your area, you may start to see local strawberries in early-mid April. So while not quite ready yet, I'm already seeing hints of strawberries from my Florida counterparts! It really depends on that last frost and how much damage it does to the plants. Boy, when they do arrive though, there are SO many wonderful recipes! From jams to desserts, strawberries are my heart. 

For a wonderfully fruity morning, check out all things strawberry from the Pioneer Woman! I can't wait to test out that Danish & Sweet roll!