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It might be a little early to pack up the casserole recipes, but the season of longer days and lighter food is finally upon us.  To celebrate, we've got a half dozen food-focused activities to try:

1. Add some color to your dinner tonight. Garnish the plates with herbs or edible flowers such a mint and nasturtium, or see this slideshow of 45 satisfying salads, which provides tons of inspiration.

2. Plant herbs on the windowsill. Urban farmer Gayla Trailer explains which ones offer the biggest rewards in the shortest amount of time.

3. Spring clean your kitchen. Or just your fridge. Or simply...the counter. These 9 window, countertop and floor cleaners smell so good, you'll actually look forward to the dirty work. Plus, having a spotless workspace will  make assembling meals much more pleasant.


4. Make something lighter, fresher and zingier this week. Cookbook author Rori Trovato's spring menu includes a zippy mint and pea hummus and a fruit-sweetened carrot cake.

5. Grow wheat grass. If you do it now, it’ll be ready for decorating an Easter basket or blending into a smoothie by April 8. This video shows you how simple it is.

6. Go get a free cup of Italian ice at Rita's. The chain has more than 550 stores in 18 states and always gives out free regular-sized ices on March 20.

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