Hummus has been a staple throughout Mediterranean cultures for millennia. Light, creamy and full of flavor, this raw hummus recipe omits the chickpeas and focuses instead on the nutty and super rich flavor of the sesame seed tahini. It is perfect as a dip or spread, or as a dressing for making tangy, ranchy-flavored dehydrated kale chips.

With Mother’s Day and Memorial Day happening this month, there is an abundance of gorgeous flowers at the local markets. I recently came across a stunning pink bouquet of pesticide-free roses and took them home to experiment with rose petal-infused honey, without having actually found a solid recipe for it anywhere on the interwebs. Then, as kismet would have it, I came across a splendid tutorial on The Herb Companion for making herb-infused honey by our very own Kirsten Hudson. Using her advice, I experimented with my own take at rose-infused honey, and the results were just lovely. Here’s how to make this incredible infusion that will make you feel like a garden princess.

I came up with this recipe when I had just a few ingredients remaining in my kitchen, and I didn’t feel like going to the grocery store. I wanted a simple, yet delicious, one dish veggie meal... something like risotto, but I didn’t have Arborio rice. So I experimented with pearled barley (which is used a lot in soups) I had in my kitchen cupboard and the few veggies, goat cheese and pine nuts I had in my refrigerator. This is the result; a simple, yet delicious one dish dinner that can be made in bulk so you have leftovers for the week. You can even add wild salmon or a meat if you so wish. One of the secrets to this dish is cooking the pearled barley until it's just tender or al dente. You don't want to overcook it because it will get mushy. Good luck!

Indulge this spring in a homemade ice cream recipe that's low in sugar, dairy-free and full of luscious flavor: Grapefruit Lavender Ice Cream. This heavenly recipe has just a hint of tangy citrus, and a whole lotta floral aroma from the real lavender infusion. Enjoy on a sunny patio or while taking a break from gardening in the backyard.

This spring recipe is just marvelous for brunch, lunch or early dinner. Use spiral-shaped tube pasta for a pretty aesthetic that contrasts beautifully with the shapes of the sliced vegetables and picks up the fresh herb-infused sauce. Make this the day before if you like -- it's great out of the fridge, and the flavors really develop while it hangs out a bit.

Lamb is a common main dish at the Easter dinner table, and it's important to buy organic if you choose to include lamb in your Easter menu. Lamb is a sheep less than a year old, typically between four and twelve months. In this short time, organic lambs are healthier and often happier; without the use of antibiotics or non-organic feed, lamb is a delicious and healthy meat, the perfect dish for special occasions.

The Super Bowl may have come and gone, but that’s no reason to stop working on your arsenal of dip recipes. This vegetable-laden dip is one of my favorites for cocktail parties or hors d’œuvres before dinner. It’s easy to make ahead of time and simply slip under the broiler when your first guests arrive to a perfectly melted cheesy topping. And the use of organic spinach and artichokes makes it a recipe you can feel good about serving to your loved ones.

One issue I take with energy bars it that they’re often too sweet – not every snack needs to be an over the top candy bar flavor. These extra natural bars are entirely sweetened by fruit, and have no added sugar, no honey, no agave… nothing. They’re also gluten free and even stash a bit of protein with their quinoa base. And of course, the great chia is responsible for holding everything together in every delicious bite. Grab-and-go energy à la chia!

Hummus, cheese, dips, olives, wine… more wine. What doesn’t a good crunchy cracker go with? Unfortunately, prepackaged crackers at the grocery store can be loaded with sodium, and if you’re buying non-organic brands, they can even contain that baddest-of-ingredients, bad boy high fructose corn syrup, as well as other additives. When you bake crackers at home, you can avoid unnecessary (and unhealthy) ingredients and can create a cracker that’s all your own.

Every spring, I hold my breath for the arrival of mangoes. Those silvery-sweet, complex and inherently exotic fruits offer a taste unlike anything else in this world. And as far as I'm concerned, the world's best dessert is sweet coconut rice with fresh mango, a Thai tradition. Nutty, sweet and chewy, it's an excellent homemade treat even if your budget is tight. Make extra; you'll want to eat it every day.