The weather may finally be getting warm enough to poke our noses outside, but don't pack away your Dutch oven quite yet. Everyone's favorite pot can still be your friend in springtime. Roast a chicken in fresh and saucy coconut milk, or make a pot of Hot and Sour Mushroom and Rice Soup. There's a risotto of fresh spring vegetables that bakes into creamy goodness right inside your Dutch oven. Or make a big pot of easy, tender barbecue shredded chicken. Keep your favorite pot handy — these spring dishes will keep it busy.

I have never been to the Kentucky Derby, but every year my family and friends celebrate it as if we were racing heirs from Lexington. Our standard menu includes everything from ham biscuits, hot browns, and homemade Derby pie. A few rounds of Mint Juleps, of course, are a must. This fresh take on the classic, with pineapple chunks, spicy ginger syrup, and a sprinkle of black peppercorns, will be your go-to from now until summer meets its final days.

You know those recipes that makes beautiful lunches and feel like a special treat, but that actually don't take all that long to make if you plan in advance? The ones that graduate to dinner in a snap, and then family and friends begin requesting it? This spring grain salad is just that — it combines hearty einkorn wheat berries with sweet mango, fresh cilantro and parsley, crisp sunflower sprouts, crunchy toasted pepitas and a creamy avocado dressing. Perfect for spring, perfect for anytime.

Spring is in the air, finally! In celebration, I went looking for verdant and vibrant kitchen things in all shades of green. Here's to the end of dark, grey days and the beginning of a beautiful season — outside and in your kitchen!

It's not very often that I whip up a plated lamb dinner for friends. Good-quality lamb is a real splurge, but sometimes life's events call for nothing less than the best. This simple, showstopping menu does just that.

At this moment, I have my kitchen door open, and from my table I can see daffodils, new green grass, and yes, leaves. Hallelujah. It's about time. I love winter, and snow, but the leaves are overdue this year and I've missed them. Green leaves mean crunchy leaves on the plate, too — tender lettuce, juicy and crisp. Let's gather up some leaves and eat a salad for lunch; it's time. This one is a light yet nourishing lunch, with red quinoa and avocado to make it just a little more satisfying.

I was always scared to attempt risotto, so it wasn't until culinary school that I realized how easy they actually are. Time consuming, yes. Hard? Not at all. But then I discovered baked risotto and I've never looked back. This version with peas, asparagus, and pancetta is a personal favorite, and the epitome of spring! 

Green almonds have the briefest whisper of a season in the spring before their shells harden and start looking (and tasting!) more like the almonds we know and love. They are tart and crisp and subversively addictive around cocktail hour. If you see them, promise me that you'll give this uber-seasonal delicacy a try.

Every week I look forward to Dana Velden's Weekend Meditation here at The Kitchn. Her small essays always prompt me towards thoughtfulness and gratitude, and peel back new layers of thinking about the kitchen, the home, and living in the world. Dana has this weekend off, but we didn't want to leave you without a dose of meditation. Here is a look back at 10 of our favorite meditations from Dana, all with an eye towards spring and new beginnings. Enjoy! 

As you stroll through the farmers' market this April, keep your eye out for ramps. This is their season, and it's a fleeting one. These wild leeks have a pungent garlicky flavor, and pair wonderfully with eggs and creamy dishes, like risotto. If you have a bunch in hand, try one of these 10 recipes spotlighting this quintessential spring ingredient. But do it fast — they'll be gone before you know it.