🥣From Brunch to BBQ: Muffins, Marinades & Fresh Dill for Spring

View this email in your browser Hi Friends 👋🏼  Spring is in full swing, and this week’s newsletter is all about getting you ready for the moments that bring everyone together—Mother’s Day brunch and the start of grilling season. We’re baking up a batch of irresistible muffin recipes perfect for a relaxed, make-ahead brunch spread, from classic blueberry to bakery-style favorites that feel just a little extra special. As the weather warms, it’s also the perfect time to refresh your grilling game with flavorful BBQ sauces, easy marinades, and simple brines that make everything from chicken to vegetables shine. And if you’re looking to add a fresh, garden-inspired touch to your cooking, we’re highlighting how to grow and use dill—one of the easiest herbs to start right now, with bright flavor that pairs beautifully with so many spring and summer dishes. Have a great week!  featured recipes Rigatoni alla Nerano Spinach with Roasted Tomatoes Mexican Hot Chocolate Brownies Ratatouille Panzanella Salad To get the recipe ingredients and directions, click on the recipe name or image; which will take you to the original post.  Pasta alla Nerano made with rigatoni, fried zucchini, garlic, and grated provolone in a silky sauce created with pasta water-no cream needed. Spinach sautéed with roasted plum tomatoes, garlic, and extra virgin olive oil creates a flavorful, wholesome side dish that pairs perfectly with any meal. Mexican Hot Chocolate Brownies made with box brownie mix, cinnamon, and a hint of spice are rich, fudgy, easy dessert with a warm, flavorful twist. Ratatouille Panzanella Salad made with fresh eggplant, zucchini, mushrooms, garlic & tomatoes tossed with multigrain bread and a light Lemon Chardonnay Vinaigrette. muffin recipes Mother’s Day brunch calls for something a little extra special, and nothing feels more inviting than a basket of warm, homemade muffins. Muffins are the perfect make-ahead addition to a relaxed, beautiful brunch spread. Easy to bake and even easier to serve, they bring that cozy, bakery-style touch to the table while still feeling thoughtful and celebratory—just right for honoring Mom with something sweet, simple, and made from the heart. Triple Chocolate Zucchini Muffins Carrot Raisin Muffins Banana Walnut Muffins Low Fat Blueberry Muffins Peanut Butter Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Muffins Whole Wheat Apple Walnut Muffins Lemon Pecan Muffins Chocolate Chip Cranberry Oat Muffins Blueberry Pie Corn Muffins bbq sauces, marinades and brines As grilling season gets closer, now is the time to build flavor from the ground up with homemade BBQ sauces, easy marinades, and simple brines. Whether you’re firing up chicken, steak, pork, or vegetables, these flavor boosters make all the difference—adding depth, tenderness, and that signature backyard barbecue taste. With just a few staple ingredients, you can transform everyday grilling into something truly memorable all summer long. herb spotlight: dill🌱 If you’re looking for an easy, rewarding herb to grow at home, dill is a perfect place to start. It thrives in both garden beds and simple containers, grows quickly, and gives you a steady supply of fresh, fragrant sprigs all season long. With its light, slightly tangy flavor, dill brings a bright finish to everyday cooking—stir it into creamy dips like tzatziki, sprinkle it over roasted potatoes or salmon, toss it into pasta salads, or use it to elevate homemade dressings and marinades. Once you start snipping fresh dill straight from your own plant, it’s hard to go back—it adds that fresh-from-the-garden touch that makes simple dishes feel special. Some of our favorite recipes using dill include Onion Dill Dip , Dill Macaroni Salad, Lemon Dill Grilled Chicken and Red Bliss  Dill Potato Salad.  weekly meal plan #210 Gluten Free (gf); Dairy Free (df); Low Carb (lc) For serving suggestions, please visit our Recipe Index by Category.  Click on each title or image to get to the recipe where you can print or instantly add grocery items into your own Instacart account!  ➡️➡️Click here to Download Blank Weekly Meal Plan Monday, April 27 Chicken Pesto Spaghetti Squash  Tuesday, April 28 Taco Baked Chicken Thighs  Wednesday, April 29 Lemon Ricotta Orecchiette with Sausage Thursday, April 30 Chicken in Tomato Vodka Sauce   Friday, May 1 Caprese Flatbread Saturday, May 2 Corona Grilled Pork Chops  Sunday, May 3  Tuscan Grilled Rib Eye Steak  Dessert Apple Coffee Cake most popular recipe last week Roasted Tomato, Olive and Ricotta Chicken Meatloaf Mediterranean-style chicken meatloaf made with extra lean ground chicken, roasted grape tomatoes, kalamata olives, and creamy ricotta—light, flavorful, and totally delicious. Coming Next Week.... Creamy Garlic & Herb Macaroni and Cheese Any suggestions or comments are always appreciated. Simply send me an email! Website Email Pinterest Facebook X Instagram LinkedIn If you have any suggestions, comments or questions, please send us an email and we will get back to you as quickly as possible.   Copyright © 2026 Carrie's Experimental Kitchen, All rights reserved. You are receiving this email because you opted in via Carrie's Experimental Kitchen website. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s owner is strictly prohibited. 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