Favorite spring dishes and menus?

[Glam Foodie]

What are your fool-proof, most delicious spring recipes? My new husband and I are hosting Easter, and we're having another dinner party next week. The farmer's market just opened up for the season, and I'm just dying to go in there with a few menu plans in mind and go wild! (Also, I really want to step it up on breaking in all my registry goodies, and use every single pot and appliance before summer, mwuahaha.) Share anything: appetizers, cocktails, entrees, breakfasts, and, mmm, desserts!

Mine:

Asparagus, Goat Cheese, and Lemon Pasta (Smitten Kitchen/Bon Appetit) http://smittenkitchen.com/2009/05/asparagus-goat-cheese-and-lemon-pasta/ <--- might have to make this over the weekend! I usually add some fresh cracked black pepper and cooked prawns or chicken

Ina Garten's 'Juice of a Few Flowers' http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ina-garten/juice-of-a-few-flowers-recipe/index.html <---- gorgeous cocktail

Nigella Lawson's Chocolate and Raspberry Pavlova http://www.nigella.com/recipes/view/c... <---- instant guest pleaser, may do this for Easter!

[krissywats]

One of my all time favorites. I never bother with the tea smoked chicken, I just saute some chicken with salt and pepper, let it cool, and then shred it. The flavors are lovely and unexpected.

http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/foo...

[THewat]

Ramps, if you're somewhere they are in season. I look forward to them all year. The young greens are great sauteed & outstanding in eggs; I pickle the bulbs & serve them with good bread & cheese.

[Paprikaboy]

Chicken breast poached in chicken stock with fennel bulb, peas and baby carrots.
Very light and and clean flavours.

[magiesmom]

roasted asparagus
strawberry shortcake with cream biscuits

[roxlet]

Asparagus parmesan souffle or anything with artichokes. Soon the soft shell crabs will be available, and I can't get enough of them.

[dfrostnh]

This week we had Maple-Dijon oven baked chicken with parsnip risotto and a side of asparagus. The maple syrup was local. The parsnips came out of our garden. Spring is here!

[LJS]

Artichokes: and as they are the tiny spring ones, you don't need to de-choke them before cooking. I love them simply steamed, served with lemon-y garlic butter.

[eatswjoy]

I don't have a special recipe for a party but my favorite spring veg from the farmer's market are baby patty pan squash. They are cute, delicious and unusual. I cut them lengthwise (like a hamburger bun) and saute them in butter until tender crisp.

Best wishes on your new marriage!