Liddy Hux shares easy spring dinner recipes from “Cooking in Real Life”

It seems like everyone is ready to welcome spring, and recipe developer, food writer and author Liddy Huque is no exception. Huque visited the TODAY Kitchen to share two easy spring dinner recipes from her cookbook, “Real Life Cooking: Everyday Recipes.” She shows us how to make creamy vodka pasta with plum shrimp and fresh garlicky green beans with fried capers.

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When you’re in the mood for something comforting, quick, and comforting, but don’t want a big bowl of pasta, this recipe is for you! The vodka sauce is surprisingly easy to make at home and mainly uses pantry staples (vodka is a pantry staple, right?). Traditionally, Italians don’t eat seafood with cheese, but as far as I’m concerned, pasta alla vodka is a decidedly Italian-American creation, so I think this is acceptable. The delicate, salty flavor of the shrimp pairs so deliciously (if a little against the rules) with the creamy vodka sauce. When you want the comfort of a big bowl of pasta, but want something a little lighter and easier to make, this recipe is for you! A perfect recipe for spring.

These garlicky, lemony green beans pack a lot of flavor with just a few ingredients. The fried capers add salt and crunch (you’ll want to sprinkle them on everything!) and a splash of vinegar makes these beans addictive, which is more than you can say about most green beans. I think of these as an everyday side dish, but they also make a great fresh alternative to Thanksgiving green bean casserole.

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