Presenting the Winners from Our Spring Fresh Flavors Contest
Updated: Apr. 20, 2022
Home cooks' creative brilliance is blossoming this season! Winning recipes with rosy rhubarb, crunchy carrots and juicy strawberries make mealtime extra lush.
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Grand Prize: Rhubarb Bruschetta
Fresh rhubarb jam is spooned over cheese-topped bruschetta for a delightful spring appetizer. Spread the goat cheese on toasted bread slices as soon as they are removed from the broiler. —Margee Berry, White Salmon, WashingtonLearn more about our contests and submit your own recipes for consideration.
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1st Place: Risotto with Lemon and Spring Vegetables
This dish has the fresh flavors of spring and looks so colorful. It can be made into a vegetarian meal by using vegetable broth and leaving out the ham. Since it’s so versatile, you can really use whatever vegetables are in season or what your family prefers. —Mary Lou Timpson, Centennial Park, Arizona
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2nd Place: Strawberry and Peach Lime Custard Bars
After I baked, my dad would always find his way to the kitchen and ask if he could try what I made. I enjoyed asking him to taste test different creations, like these bars. He was always ready with a compliment. Other fruits can be arranged over the custard, depending on what’s in season. —Carlin Tou, Chandler, Arizona
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3rd Place: Herb Garden Grilled Chicken
One of my favorite things about spring is picking fresh herbs from my garden. It makes for an easy peasy, flavorful chicken dinner. You can substitute any variety of herbs in this recipe, or roast it in the oven instead of grilling. —Jenn Tidwell, Fair Oaks, California
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Most Innovative: Raspberry Matcha Cake Roll
This tender cake roll with whipped cream has a very light texture and is perfect for spring. The raspberries give the whipped cream filling a pretty pale pink color. Strawberries could also be used instead of raspberries. —Kaori Shinohara, Paramus, New Jersey
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Runner-Up: Asparagus Galette with Goat Cheese
This asparagus galette could be an appetizer or a side dish, or you could top it with an egg and serve it as an entree. While I prefer to make my own whole wheat crust to add a nutty flavor, you could use a refrigerated crust instead. —Kellyn Kemmerer, Baltimore, Maryland
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Runner-Up: Chipotle Carrot Soup
This vegetarian soup packs big flavor and I love that it is made in just one pot. The cilantro and cotija cheese balance the heat from the chipotles in adobo, but if you prefer mild seasoning, use less adobo sauce. —Rebecca Jennex, Warren, Michigan
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Runner-Up: Strawberry Limoncello Jam
This is one of my top-selling jams at the farmers market during the spring. It’s amazing over a scoop of fresh vanilla ice cream, on a toasted waffle, or served with fresh goat cheese and crackers. —Krystal Wertman, Humble, Texas
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Runner-Up: Lavender Poppy Seed Muffins
These muffins are so easy to put together. The lavender flavor really works well with lemon. If you’ve never baked with lavender, start with just 1 or 2 teaspoons for a more subtle flavor. —Elisabeth Larsen, Pleasant Grove, Utah
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Runner-Up: Strawberry-Pineapple Coleslaw
Sweet fruit, a tangy coleslaw dressing and colorful crisp cabbage make a wonderful combination to share with others. I think the nuts add a healthy crunch. —Victoria Pederson, Ham Lake, Minnesota
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Runner-Up: Rhubarb Rosemary Flatbread
I love the simple ingredients of this recipe and the exceptional combination of flavors! The kitchen smells awesome whenever I bake these flatbreads. Using rhubarb in a savory bread is new to many people, but it never fails to delight impress! —Maryalice Wood, Langley, British Columbia
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Runner-Up: Strawberry Riesling Wine Spritzer
Nothing says spring like strawberries and wine spritzers. The tarragon and black pepper in this refreshing cocktail complement the strawberry flavor and really make it taste special! The syrup is also delicious in lemonade, iced tea, club soda, and gin and tonics. —Zoe Ann McKinnon, St. Louis, Missouri
Originally Published: April 19, 2022
