As an individual who loves cooking, trying new recipes is amusing, challenging, and rewarding. As the spring season approaches, here are five of my favorite fresh recipes.

Spring Kale Salad: This fresh, delicious salad uses springtime fruits and vegetables to create a perfect side or main course.

 Ingredients: Kale, Arugula, Orange Slices, Apple Slices, Pomegranate, Feta cheese, Italian Vinaigrette

Directions: Mix kale and arugula and place them on a plate. Top with orange slices, apple slices, pomegranate seeds, and feta cheese. Pour Italian Vinaigrette on top, and enjoy!

My tips: I used a 1:1 ratio of kale to arugula, and I loved the flavor that was created. I also topped the salad with grilled chicken to add protein, making this a perfect main course.

Strawberry Shortcake Pancakes: This indulgent breakfast option is a great, sweet treat to start the day. ( Recipe from: https://tasty.co/recipe/strawberry-shortcake-pancakes)

My tips: The strawberry compote takes a while to come together, so be sure to begin it and let it simmer before starting on the pancakes. If the compote does not thicken, add a 1:1 mixture of cornstarch and water and continue to cook (I used 1.5 tablespoons of each). I also reduced the sugar in the compote to ¾ cup to avoid the dish being too sweet.

Honey Garlic Salmon: After gaining inspiration from local restaurants in Saint Petersburg, I decided to test this recipe. Stillwaters Tavern has a delicious Citrus Salmon that prompted me to try a new, slightly different salmon recipe. (Recipe from: https://cafedelites.com/easy-honey-garlic-salmon/)

My tips: I broiled the salmon instead of grilling it in order for the charred flavor to be less intense. After broiling the salmon for about two minutes, remove it and baste it again before finishing cooking it. This ensures a deeper flavor in the fish.

Chicken Piccata: This traditional Italian dish is a light, lemony dinner option to transfer from the restaurant to your own kitchen (Recipe from: https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/giada-de-laurentiis/chicken-piccata-recipe2-1913809)

My tips: Instead of leaving the butterflied chicken breast in just parts, cut it into strips in order for it to cook more quickly. Doubling the number of capers results in a more tangy yet flavorful sauce, which I highly recommend. 

Raspberry Lemonade Cake: This cake is the perfect project for a sweet spring treat. (Recipe from: https://tasty.co/recipe/strawberry-lemonade-cake)

Note: Although the recipe is for a strawberry lemonade cake, I replaced the strawberry jam with raspberry.

My tips: None! This recipe is perfectly written and easy to follow to make this cake.