Why Does Mint Make Our Mouths Feel Cold?

Plus, recipes for celebratory spring dinners. [START FREE TRIAL]( or [LOG IN]( [America's Test Kitchen: Notes from the Test Kitchen]( [America's Test Kitchen: Notes from the Test Kitchen]( [FIND RECIPES ›]( March 29, 2024 [A collection of recipes from this newsletter]( [A collection of recipes from this newsletter]( What’s New at ATK [Mint leaves]( Why Does Mint Make Our Mouths Feel Cold? Our senior science research editor takes a look at the science behind [why mint has a cooling effect. →]( 14 Things You Shouldn’t Be Afraid to Ask for at the Grocery Store From writing on a cake to steaming a whole lobster (yes, really!), your grocery store is here to help.[Find out what you shouldn’t be afraid to ask for at the grocery store. →]( A Note From Our Test Cooks [Broccoli Salad with Avocado Dressing; Elle Simone Scott’s Headshot]( A Celebratory Spring Dinner From Elle Simone Scott, Executive Editor, Television & Video Once spring has sprung, the first thing I do is head to my local community garden and farmer’s markets for the season’s bountiful harvest. There are so many spring celebrations that call for lovely moments of eating and congregation. From Easter to Eid al-Fitr, from Passover to Mother’s Day, why not make spring vegetables the guest of honor? Sometimes the spring weather can be a bit unpredictable, so I like to make sure I’m ready for whatever may come by serving some hot and cold vegetable options. This year I’ll be starting off with a [Broccoli Salad with Avocado Dressing]( by Russell Selander. Crispy broccoli, shallots, and tarragon ring spring, and the tangy but toasty notes from dried fruits and nuts make it a perfect way to segue into the next course. The [Pyrex Smart Essentials Mixing Bowl Set]( is not only essential for storing this salad because the bowls have airtight lids, but you’ll also need them for prepping and keeping other vegetables fresh and crisp. For dinner, I’m leaning into tradition and making [Lamb Shanks Braised in Red Wine with Herbes de Provence]( putting to good use the typically irresistible haul of colorful carrots I get at the farmer’s market. I tend to lean toward the lighter proteins in the spring and all of my guests and family can enjoy this. Having a good [Dutch oven]( is key for this recipe as it is for many others; it’s an often-used staple in my kitchen. Finally, the star of the season (in my eyes anyway) makes its debut in dessert: [Rhubarb Shortcakes with Buttermilk Whipped Cream]( by Amanda Luchtel. Those mixing bowls will come in handy here, but a [food processor]( is key for making outstanding shortcakes—not to mention it can help cut dinner prep down considerably with chopping and grating options as well. This throwback classic shortcake is a hit with the adults but especially with the children as it can be an interactive/ build-your-own dish. This recipe is also ideal for gifting as you can send each of your guests home with a kit for assembly from the comfort of their own kitchen. Check out my new book, [Food Gifts]( for tips and tricks for giving food as gifts. Happy Fling into Spring! In Food & Love, Elle Members get every recipe, review, and video. Get instant access to everything from the most trusted cooking experts. [Start your 2-week free trial](. Company-Worthy Centerpieces [Lamb Shanks Braised in Red Wine with Herbes de Provence →]( [Spiral-Sliced Ham Glazed with Cider-Vinegar Caramel →]( [Duck Breasts with Port Wine–Fig Sauce →]( Fresh Sides that Highlight Spring Produce [Spring Pea Salad →]( [Pan-Roasted Asparagus with Toasted Garlic and Parmesan →]( [Roasted Radishes with Yogurt-Tahini Sauce →]( [For layout only] Fresh Picks for You [Spicy Cilantro Sauce (Zhoug) →]( [Crispy Slow-Roasted Pork Belly →]( [Simple Chocolate Sheet Cake →]( [Food Gifts. Featured Recipe: Stylist Elle crafting a food gift basket.]( Food Gifts Your guide to cooking, baking, assembling, and crafting homemade food gifts that look as fabulous as they taste. [Order Now →]( [Bunch of Asparagus]( From Our Online Cooking School All About Asparagus Asparagus is a quintessential spring vegetable. Here’s what to know about purchasing and storing asparagus. 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