After winter on the Outer Banks, I am more than ready for spring and the produce that heralds its arrival. For me, the first sign of spring, besides the arrival of the ospreys, is seeing the tips of my asparagus pushing up through the soil – a welcome sight for any gardener. I have a few recipes for using spring produce – asparagus, spinach and lettuce greens, artichokes, and strawberries – at its freshest and finest.

■ Asparagus Roll-Ups

■ Asparagus Quiche

■ Spinach, Mixed Greens & Strawberry Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing

■ Strawberry Pie

■ Strawberry Smoothie

■ Stuffed Artichokes

■ Pan-Seared Shrimp

Author: Rosie Hawthorne

Rosie Hawthorne is a blogger, gardener, wanderluster, and mother of three.  She learned to cook by watching Julia Child every Saturday afternoon on her 11-inch black and white TV with legal pad and pen in hand. For the Hawthornes, every meal is a celebration of life.