April in Huntsville brings a mix of warm days and cool nights, making it the perfect time for comforting meals with fresh, local ingredients. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or entertaining, these five cozy recipes highlight seasonal flavors and ingredients you can find at Huntsville’s farmers markets and local grocery stores.

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1. Spring Vegetable Soup

As the weather warms up, a light but nourishing soup is the perfect way to enjoy seasonal vegetables. This soup is packed with asparagus, peas, leeks, and carrots—many of which you can find at the Madison City Farmers Market (Website) or Lowe Mill’s Market at the Mill (Website).

Ingredients:

• 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed and chopped
• 1 cup fresh peas (or frozen)
• 1 large leek, cleaned and sliced
• 2 carrots, diced
• 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt & pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a pot, then sauté leeks and carrots until softened.
2. Add broth and bring to a simmer.
3. Stir in asparagus and peas, cooking for another 5 minutes.
4. Season with salt and pepper. Serve warm with fresh bread from Canadian Bakin’ (Website).

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2. Lemon Herb Roasted Chicken

A simple roasted chicken with fresh rosemary, thyme, and lemon makes for a flavorful and cozy dinner. Look for farm-fresh poultry at Oakwood Farms Market (Website).

Ingredients:

• 1 whole chicken
• 2 lemons, halved
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Fresh rosemary and thyme
• Salt & pepper

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 200°C.
2. Rub the chicken with olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper. Stuff the cavity with lemon halves and herbs.
3. Roast for about 1.5 hours, basting occasionally.
4. Let rest before slicing.

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3. Creamy Mushroom Risotto

Perfect for a cool April evening, this dish is rich and satisfying. Grab fresh mushrooms from The Greene Street Market (Website).

Ingredients:

• 1 cup Arborio rice
• 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 cup fresh mushrooms, sliced
• 1 small onion, chopped
• ½ cup white wine
• ½ cup parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon butter

Instructions:

1. Sauté onions and mushrooms in butter until soft.
2. Stir in rice and cook for 1 minute before adding white wine.
3. Gradually add broth, stirring until absorbed.
4. Finish with parmesan and serve.

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4. Honey Glazed Carrots & Parsnips

Sweet, savory, and simple—this side dish pairs well with any meal. Find fresh carrots and parsnips at Southern Grow Farmers Market (Facebook).

Ingredients:

• 4 carrots, peeled and sliced
• 2 parsnips, peeled and sliced
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon
• Salt & pepper

Instructions:

1. Toss vegetables with olive oil, honey, cinnamon, salt, and pepper.
2. Roast at 200°C for 20-25 minutes.

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5. Strawberry Rhubarb Crisp

A warm, tangy fruit crisp with a golden oat topping makes for a perfect spring dessert. Grab fresh strawberries at Brown Farms U-Pick (Website).

Ingredients:

• 2 cups strawberries, hulled and sliced
• 2 cups rhubarb, chopped
• ½ cup sugar
• 1 cup oats
• ½ cup flour
• ½ cup brown sugar
• ½ cup melted butter

Instructions:

1. Mix strawberries, rhubarb, and sugar in a baking dish.
2. In a separate bowl, mix oats, flour, brown sugar, and melted butter.
3. Sprinkle topping over fruit and bake at 180°C for 35-40 minutes.

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hese five recipes bring together the best of April’s seasonal flavors in Huntsville. Whether you’re picking up fresh produce at a local farmers market or supporting a local bakery, these dishes will keep you cozy all month long.

Want more local food recommendations? Follow Huntsville’s Food & Drink Scene on Instagram for updates on markets, restaurants, and seasonal produce.