The Cultural Dish: Top 10 Spring Recipes to Melt Away Winter Blues!

This weekend we get to change the clocks and spring forward! Although spring is supposedly coming soon, many of us still have so much snow on the ground, the weather is still bitterly cold, and more snow and ice may be on the way! The winter of 2015 sure has been a brutal one!

However, to help you get over the winter blues, you can start cooking and baking like it is spring and summer! It may only be 20 degrees outside, but cooking like it's 60 or 70... or 80, really helps to get you out of your winter slump! Here are the top 10 recipes that you can go whip up pretty quickly and start celebrating the spring weather that is to come (hopefully sooner rather than later):

1.) Aperol Spritz. This light and bubbly Italian cocktail is so easy to make and it feels like summer!

2.) Pimm's No. 1 Cup. This is a classic British cocktail that can be enjoyed year round, but is a summer favorite! I may have had a lot of these when I was in London...

3.) Caprese Salad. It's amazing how light and refreshing three ingredients can taste! Top with a little balsamic and/or olive oil, and you have a delicious snack or lunch.

4.) Pesto Sauce. This delicious sauce is so light and green that it feels like spring is in your mouth! Use as a dressing, sauce, or spread on a sandwich!

5.) Heath Bar Toffee Dip with Apples. Okay, apples may technically be a fall treat, but this recipe is a favorite at summer cookouts! I always have to make a double batch and it is still always the first thing to go! Your guests will definitely be impressed!

6.) Orange Butter Scones. These scones are so light and buttery that they can be enjoyed as a breakfast treat or as an afternoon snack.

7.) Zucchini Bread. Yes, zucchini bread! If you have not had zucchini bread before, than this is a must try recipe. It is very addicting and can be eaten for breakfast, as a snack, or even as dessert.

8.) Lemon Risotto. Risotto is a classic Italian dish, but adding the lemon makes it so light and refreshing. This is a great side, especially when served with a green like asparagus and a protein like any white fish or chicken.

9.) Mediterranean Fish Casserole. This casserole may look like a big mess, but it is so easy and makes a great light and healthy dinner.

10.) Lemon Coffee Cake. There is just something about lemon that can lighten anything up and make you feel light! This lemon coffee cake is a great twist and makes an excellent warm weather dessert (although it definitely can be enjoyed with a morning cup of coffee).