🥬Moving Toward Spring
My favorite bean soup, shrimp and grits, warm French salad, cheerful cookies.
You know Michael Corleone’s line from The Godfather, Part III? “Just when I thought I was out, they pulled me back in”? It feels like that’s late February/early March: Just when we thought we were out, we get pulled right back into winter.
Since it doesn’t make sense to write to that groundhog in Punxsutawney about his “six more weeks of winter” prediction (you’re kinda cute, Phil, but come on!), a more practical solution: this week’s late-winter/almost-spring recipes for just this time of year. These recipes straddle both winter comfort and a craving for spring brightness.
Plus: a special wellness round-up with some high-protein breakfast ideas, and a preview of my favorite St. Patrick’s Day treat. Next week, in addition to brand-new recipes (excited about this!), I’ll share a dining guide to one of the country’s best food cities for paid subscribers.
Until then, have a wonderful week ahead. Warmly, Lisa
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The Ultimate White Bean Soup
My first job after graduating college was as a U.S. Senate staffer. One perk? Eating Senate Bean Soup in the cafeteria (plus pocketing free Saltines, since I made almost no money). Rich, savory, and loaded with white beans and ham, this is the real-deal recipe, perfect for late winter—and a great bookmark for spring, especially if you’ll have leftover ham at Easter.
Chunky Sheet Pan Tomato Sauce
Bland, out-of-season tomatoes get new life when roasted into burst cherry tomato sauce enriched with a dollop of butter. You’ll love this fresh, sunny recipe, and it’s so simple.
Lemon-Herb Poached Chicken
Need a zesty chicken dinner in 30 minutes? Here it is. Gently poach chicken breasts, then reduce the liquid to an incredible pan sauce and serve.
Lowcountry Shrimp and Grits
Fluffy, cheesy grits topped with saucy shrimp and bacon, straight from the South Carolina Lowcountry. What else do you need? This is a perfect, satisfying dinner—or top with an egg for an amazing breakfast or brunch dish.
French Frisée Salad
Salade Lyonnaise is my all-time favorite salad, period. This gorgeous winter green gets a French glow up with warm bacon dressing, a perfect runny egg, and tender potatoes.
Spanish Garbanzos and Greens
This is a classic, simple Spanish tapa that makes a great stewy bowl on its own, or a topping for crusty bread. I love this for lunch or an afternoon snack.
St. Patrick’s Day Preview: Philly Irish Potato Candy
I love these easy, no-bake coconut buttercreams rolled in cinnamon and shaped like tiny potatoes so much I wrote a feature about them in Saveur. Growing up in Philadelphia, these were a St. Patrick’s Day staple. Here’s the classic recipe for this nostalgic hometown favorite.
White Chocolate Sprinkle Cookies
Rainbow sprinkles are a perfect antidote to blah winter days, and these are absolutely the best: sweet, chewy, rich with white chocolate chips, and fun to make.
Spotlight on Wellness: Breakfast Recipe Ideas
Protein is important. So is breakfast. We all know eggs are a protein powerhouse, but ere are 12 ideas for high-protein breakfasts -- no eggs required. Plus: How much protein you need, according to a registered dietitian.