With all these wonderful spring treats, I’d like to issue a challenge. I bet I can even muster up a goodie-box prize package too. Your mission is to create a light, spring lasagna. We’re looking for something that breaks away from the traditional heavy casserole we love in the winter and instead boasts freshness. Think lemon, dill, and chives. Maybe some crisp asparagus, fresh spinach and sugar snap peas. Use your imaginations and have a tasty time experimenting. Submit your creations in the Miscellaneous category and put “Spring Lasagna Challenge” in the notes section of your recipe. Remember, you MUST use those exact words or we won’t find it in our search.

For fun this month, I thought I’d introduce you to my friend and coworker Stacy Genaw, set stylist extraordinaire. Remember the beautifully decorated hutch from the current issue of Taste of Home? That’s what Stacy gets to do every day, make things beautiful for Taste of Home. She shops for those props, too! I’m jealous. I asked Stacy for some tips to make our tables and displays beautiful at home. She suggests using vintage linens in soft colors, washed and loved but not pressed to perfection. Neutral bases with pops of color scattered here and there. She sent me looking for her Pinterest boards to see what inspires her; I highly recommend it. You can find her here. I swear I spent an hour just falling in love with all the place settings. My oldest son doesn’t know it yet, but I’m going to turn his old room into a storage area for dishes and pretty holiday props. Think he’ll mind? Maybe we just won’t tell him.

Finally, we’re asking you to put your thinking caps on. We really need unique slow cooker recipes. We have tons of the usual suspects, like roasts, soups and chili. Those are great, but we want clever twists on original versions. Your recipe can be for a main dish, a side or a clever snack. All three are on our list. Just do me a favor and when you think of something, do a quick search of the Taste of Home website to see if we’ve published anything close. Or you’re welcome to send me your idea, and I’ll be happy to see what we have on file. Maybe you’ve got an idea but you’re not sure how to pull it together or how to jazz it up? Shoot me a message and we’ll put our heads together. I know people who know people; we can always get some advice. Just submit your recipe to the Miscellaneous category and add “slow cooker request” in the notes section.

Remember, whenever we ask for something in the notes section of a recipe be sure to copy it exactly as we request. Otherwise chances are slim that we’ll find it when we search.

Happy cooking, my friends!
Sue Stetzel
sue.stetzel@tmbi.com

While you’re busy creating, don’t be afraid to develop something yummy for the Spring Celebrations Contest. Get whimsical with your Easter spread, say Happy Mother’s Day with a treat she’s never tasted, go grill crazy for Memorial Day, or tell us what wows the crowd at bridal and baby showers. If it sings spring and has no more than 12 ingredients, share!
You could win $500 and treat yourself to some fancy new props to make your tables gorgeous. Be sure to enter here before June 3.

Here’s where we stand with last month’s requests
Everyday Fresh: 23
Homemade Pizza: 36
Grilled Cheese 2.0: 28

Be sure to get your recipe uploaded before they pull the links.