April is a great month to embrace new ingredients and change the menu. April marks the first month that we truly realize that winter is over. The time change of last month is fully felt in April as the weather starts to warm up and the rains help with the new harvests. Salads play a bigger role in menu planning; they tend to become more of the meal rather than the beginning or end of it. April brings fresh seasonal ingredients like Asparagus, peas, and strawberries which all work great together or separately. Try them cooked and chilled in a salad. Sauteed and mixed in a risotto or soup. The options for strawberries in desserts are endless. The important thing is to branch out and experiment with the fresh ingredients of the month and MOST importantly is to have fun.