Spring Has Sprung

Fiddlehead ferns, the unopened fronds of a young fern plant, have the visual elegance of a treble clef and a distinctive flavor not unlike asparagus. Ramps, a member of the lily family, are closely related to leeks, garlic, and onions, but boast a complex, spicy sweetness–paired beautifully with chicken and green onions in Melissa Clark's skillet chicken recipe–all their own. As with other young spring vegetables, less is more: briefly blanch or lightly sauté fiddleheads, then serve in a butter–white wine sauce. Ramps require even less handling: simply grill or lightly char, then serve alongside bread, sea salt, and olive oil.