This Month's Fare

Spring into Action

The sun rises earlier and hangs around later. The air smells new and fresh. It's spring! Something about this time of year makes us want to get moving. We have more energy to dust off the shelves, shake out the rugs, and think about planting a garden. It's time to try new things, get revived and enjoy being alive!

And, for many of us, it's time to shed those extra pounds we picked up during those long cold winter months. Comfort foods were oh, so necessary then. But now we're ready to go lean. We've got all kinds of healthful recipes and dozens of light and low or no-fat sauces and condiments to help you get started.

Take advantage of spring's bounty — from peas, asparagus and tender baby spinach to luscious strawberries, intensely flavored mint and chives. Now's the time to skip the stuff that's flown in from halfway around the world. For inspiration, visit your local farmers' market and fill your basket with what's fresh and locally grown.

Spring is salad season! Be sure to visit Kikkoman's Cooking Class on How to...Create Sensational Salads.

Keep things light and simple in the kitchen with Japanese-style soups. Kikkoman Memmi Sauce makes it easy. Start with this flavorful broth base and seasoning — a concentrated blend of savory fish stock, naturally brewed soy sauce, sugar and vinegar — and add Japanese noodles (such as soba, udon or fresh ramen), vegetables, tofu, seafood or chicken. With Kikkoman Memmi, you can create satisfying one-dish soups — big on flavor, yet light enough to let you keep that spring in your step!

Ready to dust off the grill or fire up the broiler? Try Chicken-Veggie Kabobs. This colorful new recipe is a perfect way to celebrate spring. Kikkoman Teriyaki Takumi Collection, Original or Spicy Miso Sauce is all you need to turn chicken, squash and mild Anaheim chilies into delectable appetizer or entrée skewers.

Visit our Healthy Eating pages for more savvy tips on cooking and eating light.

Part of the secret to enjoying lighter foods and sticking to a diet is in setting the mood at home.

• Re-Set the Table — Pick up a new tablecloth and napkins for spring — pastels or flower prints brighten things up.
• Bring in Spring — As soon as the season's first blossoms start to appear, pick a few and arrange them in vases. Supplement with garden greenery.
• Get Some Asian Inspiration — Go to an Asian market and pick up some inexpensive teacups, noodle bowls, sushi trays and chopsticks.
• Freshen Your Fridge — Clean out your refrigerator and freezer! Going from messy to minimalist is good for the soul.
• Paper the House — Line your cupboards with new shelf paper in bright, cheery colors.