BKD Cookbook Club....Spring Inspired

It's time again for  Jo Tracey's BKD (Brookford Kitchen Diaries) Cookbook Club. I've followed Jo for awhile and have read several of her books, including one of her most recent which features a group of ladies who have a cookbook club. If you haven't read any of Jo's books, you should.

This month is all things seasonal cooking. If you're in the southern hemisphere, fall is arriving, and here in the northern hemisphere it's getting closer to spring. In my hunt for the perfect book, and after a bit  googling, I found two that seemed like they'd be perfect. I checked them both out at the library since I'm trying not to spend much on books right now. The one I settled on was Cooking From Scratch.  The other one Coming Home to Sicily was great but I opted for the other one. Part of my moms family is from Sicily so I really wanted one of the recipes to grab my attention. I may look through it again. I still have one recipe in the Cooking From Scratch book that I want to make, it just hasn't worked in the schedule. 

The book Coming Home To Sicily is beautiful. The photos are stunning and the recipes look good. The spring selections just didn't appeal to me much. I love books that don't just have a recipe, but stories to go along with the recipes, stories that talk about the region, the ingredients, etc. Both of these books delivered in that area. Both are worthy of a spot in the kitchen. 

On to the book I cooked from. So far, I've made two recipes from the Cooking From Scratch cookbook. I have one more I want to make. There is so much useful information strewn throughout the book..like "how to dress up a scone" below a simple scone recipe,  or "granola flavor suggestions". Many of the recipes have thoughts above them on a particular ingredient, or a story about the recipe, etc. Also throughout the book are helpful tips. I found some used copies on Amazon and will probably purchase it. There are many recipes I'd like to try, like sparkling blueberry lemonade, Zesty Fall Cider, hand pies and a few others. 

I didn't want to overload the post with photos so I combined some photos of pages in a collage. If you can't see it well, you might be able to just click on the photo and enlarge it. 

The first recipe I made was a simple one and a favorite of mine...avocado toast. The twist on this one to give it the "spring vibe" was adding chives and radishes. I know...you're probably thinking "wait, avocado toast needs a recipe?". I know, but this one has a few "extras". 

I would've loved to have made my own bread, but I didn't have time, so I opted for a local (one town north of where I live) sourdough bread. I think homemade sourdough would've been amazing with this.

 

The extras in this recipe....chives, goat cheese, lemon juice and fresh parsley. None of which I normally put on my avocado toast. 

In the small container of my blender I placed the avocado, goat cheese, lemon zest and juice, chives and parsley..then blended til combined. 

Spread on the toast and then top with radishes. The recipe called for red onion which I forgot so I used green onions. 

It was good. It was simple. I'd certainly make it again. The next day I made some toast but instead of avocado I just used goat cheese salt, pepper, hard boiled egg, tomato and some micro greens. So good! 

 I do love a good toast with yummy toppings. 

The next recipe I made was good but I don't think it was a favorite. Asparagus with White Beans and Hazelnuts. I love asparagus and hazelnuts. I like beans, but I think I like them more in soups than served as a side. I think it's a texture thing...I don't know. Anyways. Nothing wrong with this, it was really good, but I think it's a one and done. 

I prepped things ahead of time, but this dish does come together quickly. I served it as a side dish to steak. Everyone seemed to like it, except my daughter who doesn't like asparagus. 

The dish I still want to make is below. I have the ingredients, I just haven't had the time. Maybe I'll try it today though I'm not sure I'll have the time. It may need to wait til next week. 

I love ravioli, I love asparagus...this seemed like a good pairing. I'll let you know next month how it was. 

Speaking of next month, our theme for April is Greek inspired...I better start searching now. I would love to visit Greece. 

With Joy Unquenchable,

Kirstin