health
Fresh start: Hetty Lui McKinnon’s recipes to celebrate spring
Vegetables take centre stage in this relaxed menu of cheesy asparagus loaf, mushroomy filo tart with a chilli crisp crust, punchy feta salad, and a no-bake strawberry matchamisu

TL;DR
- The author's childhood was filled with an abundance of fresh produce from her father's wholesale business.
- Her father's death at 15 marked the end of readily available produce, but her connection to vegetables remains a way to honor his memory.
- Spring (chūn) symbolizes renewal and new beginnings, influencing the author's approach to cooking with bright flavors and bold choices.
- The article features a menu of vegetable-centric dishes: cheesy asparagus loaf, mushroom, spring onion, and chilli crisp filo bake, pickled celery, red onion, and feta salad, and a strawberry matcha pudding.
- These recipes are designed to be prep-ahead friendly, allowing the host to relax and enjoy their guests.
- The cheesy asparagus loaf incorporates asparagus into a savory bread batter, enhanced with turmeric, olives, and cheddar.
- The mushroom filo bake combines earthy mushrooms with spring onions and chili crisp, inspired by Turkish borek.
- The pickled celery, red onion, and feta salad offers a bold and enlivening mix of flavors, best prepared in advance.
- The strawberry matcha pudding is a no-cook dessert, a fusion of tiramisu and strawberry matcha latte, perfect for warmer weather.