Every other Thursday, we bring you Nicholas Day—on cooking for children, and with children, and despite children. Also, occasionally, on top of.
Today: 11 of our favorite Dinner vs. Child recipes to make before spring produce really hits the market.
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Is there anything worse than despondently staring into the refrigerator, not knowing what to make?
There is not.
Which is why, when we're in a rut, we turn to Nicholas Day, who shows us recipes are just what we need in between seasons and otherwise: friendly, comforting, and delicious. Luckily, some of his best recipes are built for the waiting time just before late-spring and summer produce hit the markets. So go ahead: Let the warmth of these dishes take the evening's chill off. It won't be much longer now.
Socca Waffles
![](https://images.food52.com/VrOg_BZG-BrcnLuZHiwCGFg3HMg=/b8352b79-af08-41a8-af57-6b6dfba78d2d--15886717244_679b9a81d2_b.jpg)
Fruit-Laden, Whole-Grain Pancakes
![](https://images.food52.com/z3ze-9IkoP1pkQSvB8LO2YWnPiY=/2079c3d7-64ed-4afe-8a2a-b5caa4b5001d--2013-0819_nicholas_banana-pancakes-021.jpg)
Roasted, Spiced, Almond-y Cauliflower
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Five-Spice Pickled Carrots
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Chicken Soup with Onions and Garlic
![](https://images.food52.com/xEmQafLk2XT11JfZV9twdcU7404=/0b854568-6480-47cb-9bee-b8cabfd6b195--13430842785_ac654be5a4_b.jpg)
Brussels Sprouts and Chickpeas
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Weeknight Soy Sauce-y, Peanut-y Tofu
![](https://images.food52.com/rzGL6ednPX102rHFxsXahABDovU=/ae6bade2-7511-4950-ad4a-b382c9bc8977--13113532005_2bdbcfb167_b.jpg)
A Simple Homey, Coconut-y Red Lentil Dal
![](https://images.food52.com/TNb7K1LpWhv9Ynk7oLREkqNeikc=/3347bdae-37fa-48cd-9715-aed5a73fb2c9--11691550013_38e9af769a_c.jpg)
Aristotelian Rice and Peas (Risi e Bisi)
![](https://images.food52.com/xvNbGXS_LgCVp8GVmYAx5wXImhM=/68dc1188-2157-453e-a4ec-be5059e93b48--11971342705_8115eae18e_b.jpg)
The Pantry Cookie
![](https://images.food52.com/IzbFvnUUFNBBFTA6H0TeKSRSxDw=/c907db83-0b90-44a6-88ee-a68f74a460da--2015-0317_quick-oatmeal-cranberry-pantry-cookies-020.jpg)
Dorie Greenspan's Custardy Apple Squares
![](https://images.food52.com/3wFVg5o7LO-4k5AEpB0GlgwD4M4=/ab46835b-0a4c-40a9-befd-0f8cc0ff5098--16364055046_1be611f77e_b.jpg)
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