Cooking With the Seasons

For a home cooked meal to be tasty and satisfying, it often requires a hint of inspiration. To find that spark of culinary genius, simply look out your window. We're drawn to different tastes and textures as the weather shifts, and greeted with a new batch of produce with every new season. Fresh fruit and vegetables ripe for the picking add amazing flavor to any recipe. Here are some of Atlanta's seasonal options that add the best punch to any bland bite.

Spring Delights

Atlanta in springtime is lush with amazing foods. Gardens perk with ripe vegetables and pungent herbs. The only problem is, there are too many options. The best bet is to stop by the local farmer's market and pick up some peppery baby arugula, strawberries, and fresh mint. The combined ingredients will make a wonderful salad and bring a fresh twist to dinnertime.

Summer Sweets

It's hot. You're hot. Standing next to the stove is the last thing any cook wants. Take advantage of raw foods that still thrive under such stifling weather. Satisfying and sweet, fruit is a light treat that offers more refreshment than any air conditioner can. Prime during the warmer weather in Atlanta are peaches, nectarines, and tender fruits. Top these on cottage cheese or grill them for a unique flavor.

Fall Favorites

When the leaves drop, a new spread of crops flourish. Although produce is never obsolete during this time of year, autumn in Atlanta can be a bit unpredictable. So why not just go for a beer? Visit a local brewery and enjoy the regional selections available. Peach Tree Pale Ale and Red Brick Blonde are top picks in Georgia for a relaxing evening on the porch. Beer also brings flair to a dinner dish, pairing best with barbecued meats.

Winter Warmth

The brisk air and frigid temperatures require filling foods to keep warm. Heavier stews and fatty meats are often craved during cold seasons. Although meat is available throughout the year, indulge in it when you truly feel the craving for a more gratifying experience. In Atlanta, pot roast is a great option during winter. Leftovers from the roast can be added to a boiling pot of beef broth with organic carrots, chopped onions, and other vegetables known to thrive in winter.

Take a Look Outside

It's not difficult to know which foods are best during different times of the year, especially if there's a garden in your backyard. If planting isn't possible, find out what kinds of produce your region is best known for. Because most grocery stores import produce from different countries, the local farmer's market is the right place to find seasonal, organic produce. An inspired meal can become a nightly tradition when you let the seasons be your guide.

This article is presented by Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts Atlanta. Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts Atlanta offers Le Cordon Bleu culinary education classes and culinary training programs in Atlanta, Georgia. To learn more about the class offerings, please visit Chefs.edu/Atlanta for more information.
LCB Atlanta does not guarantee employment or salary.