Presenting the Winners from Our Spring Fresh Flavors Contest

Grand Prize: Rhubarb Bruschetta

Fresh rhubarb jam is spooned over cheese-topped bruschetta for a delightful spring appetizer. Spread the goat cheese on toasted bread slices as soon as they are removed from the broiler. —Margee Berry, White Salmon, Washington

Learn more about our contests and submit your own recipes for consideration.

2nd Place: Strawberry and Peach Lime Custard Bars

After I baked, my dad would always find his way to the kitchen and ask if he could try what I made. I enjoyed asking him to taste test different creations, like these bars. He was always ready with a compliment. Other fruits can be arranged over the custard, depending on what’s in season. —Carlin Tou, Chandler, Arizona

3rd Place: Herb Garden Grilled Chicken

One of my favorite things about spring is picking fresh herbs from my garden. It makes for an easy peasy, flavorful chicken dinner. You can substitute any variety of herbs in this recipe, or roast it in the oven instead of grilling. —Jenn Tidwell, Fair Oaks, California

Most Innovative: Raspberry Matcha Cake Roll

This tender cake roll with whipped cream has a very light texture and is perfect for spring. The raspberries give the whipped cream filling a pretty pale pink color. Strawberries could also be used instead of raspberries. —Kaori Shinohara, Paramus, New Jersey

Runner-Up: Asparagus Galette with Goat Cheese

This asparagus galette could be an appetizer or a side dish, or you could top it with an egg and serve it as an entree. While I prefer to make my own whole wheat crust to add a nutty flavor, you could use a refrigerated crust instead. —Kellyn Kemmerer, Baltimore, Maryland

Runner-Up: Chipotle Carrot Soup

This vegetarian soup packs big flavor and I love that it is made in just one pot. The cilantro and cotija cheese balance the heat from the chipotles in adobo, but if you prefer mild seasoning, use less adobo sauce. —Rebecca Jennex, Warren, Michigan

Runner-Up: Lavender Poppy Seed Muffins

These muffins are so easy to put together. The lavender flavor really works well with lemon. If you’ve never baked with lavender, start with just 1 or 2 teaspoons for a more subtle flavor. —Elisabeth Larsen, Pleasant Grove, Utah

Pineapple Coleslaw

When I was a child, my mother often served this salad with multicolored marshmallows sprinkled on top, much to my delight. The marshmallows added a touch of sweetness that really complemented this salad’s tangy flavor. —Betty Follas, Morgan Hill, California

Runner-Up: Rhubarb Rosemary Flatbread

I love the simple ingredients of this recipe and the exceptional combination of flavors! The kitchen smells awesome whenever I bake these flatbreads. Using rhubarb in a savory bread is new to many people, but it never fails to delight impress! —Maryalice Wood, Langley, British Columbia

Runner-Up: Strawberry Riesling Wine Spritzer

Nothing says spring like strawberries and wine spritzers. The tarragon and black pepper in this refreshing cocktail complement the strawberry flavor and really make it taste special! The syrup is also delicious in lemonade, iced tea, club soda, and gin and tonics. —Zoe Ann McKinnon, St. Louis, Missouri