Come end of winter, we sometimes forget that we still have fabulous citrus available to us.  Each of these dishes celebrate that glorious fruit whether with just a hint of citrus, or featuring it as one of the stars.  Most of these dishes are great for make-ahead meals which means very little last-minute prep when you’re having guests.  Enjoy! 

Spring Baby Vegetable Salad – a stunningly colorful salad with pencil thin asparagus, tender haricots verts, baby carrots, and beets and in a fabulous shallot vinaigrette with fresh herbs. 

Savory Orange & Pepper Muffins – having these alongside would make any salad sing! Cornmeal adds texture, orange gives it a hint of fruity sweetness, and pepper brings a sassy zing!  

Poulet Français with Sherried Orange Sauce – a simple but delectable incarnation of the chicken breast, featuring peppers, onions and mushrooms then finished with a fresh, herbed sauce á l’orange. 

Toasted Farro Pilaf – The grain that’s all the rage right now.  The dried cranberries in this warm pilaf are the perfect partner for the orange in that delicious sauce that envelops the chicken. 

Chocolate Espresso Mousse – an easy make-ahead dessert with some lavish flavor, topped with an orange-scented mascarpone whipped cream.