Lauren Matison

My second story on the Huffington Post!

Since the spring of 1912, people have stopped in Washington D.C. to smell the cherry blossoms. Last year, over one million tourists came to the nation’s capital to enjoy the gift from the Japanese government 97 seasons after the first trees were planted in West Potomac Park. At a time when climate bills are struggling instead of flourishing on the Hill, why not explore the National Cherry Blossom Festival (March 27- April 11) in an environmentally conscious way? (Especially when this town is making it so easy to lighten the carbon footprint.)

My first post as a blogger for the Huffington Post!
Make sure to read the rest of the story for three delicious spring recipes by Laura Pensiero.

After months of slushy streets, heavy stews, and stubborn colds, I was feeling more than ready to talk about a fresh new season when I called up Laura Pensiero, nutritionist and author of the recently published Hudson Valley Mediterranean. She also happens to own the popular restaurants Gigi Trattoria and Gigi Market in New York’s Hudson Valley, and is the chef behind Just Salad. If anyone could offer advice on what to cook this spring, it would be Pensiero. In her book, she dishes on flavorful farm-sourced food and gives tips on how each recipe can be healthful and economical–while keeping our carbon footprint light.

HP: What comes to mind when you think of Spring?

Garden, peas, asparagus, new season, renewal.

HP: What should people look forward to cooking now that winter is over?

I’m so ready to give winter the boot and welcome in lighter fare: fava beans with a sharp cheese, shitake mushrooms, arugula and spinach from Sky Farm in Millerton, asparagus pesto with linguini. It will be nice to move away from root veggies and towards fresh green produce. I’m looking forward to open house entertaining season. One appetizer that’s delicious and super easy to make is sweet pea guacamole with crostini or pita chips. Or for a salad, I like to use a low fat pea-tarragon dressing.

Read the full story here: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/lauren-elyse-matison/what-to-eat-this-spring-a_b_495693.html