I recently caught up with Macy’s Culinary Council Chef Cat Cora as she prepares to take her seat as a judge for next month’s Sizzle Showdown in Atlanta, Georgia. She not only had plenty to dish about the competition, but also her favorite Springtime produce and how to pick the best of the bunch!

If there’s one thing that America is known for, it’s an array of unique cuisines! All across the country – from the Louisiana bayou to the Big Apple – you’ll find delicious dishes culled from local ingredients and flavors that will make your taste buds scream for more. Even if your Summer getaway plans don’t include a cross-country road trip, we’ll give you a taste of all the USA has to offer. All you have to do is bring your appetite!

Allow me to introduce the newest Macy's Culinary Council Chef: Stephanie Izard! Last week, I sat down with the James Beard "Best New Chef-Great Lakes" nominee and got the inside dish about her Chi-town eatery Girl and the Goat, her grassroots approach to cooking and favorite Springtime grub.

Though some might celebrate the luck o’ the Irish with a pint of Guinness and all the corned beef and potatoes this side of the river Shannon has to offer, it’s still possible to get into the spirit of the holiday the healthy way with nutrient-packed green veggies. Trust us, they work like a charm! 

As the days get longer and sunnier, foods that just make you want to gorge then go take a nap are slowly being replaced by light salads and succulent fruits. But, it’s not swimsuit season quite yet, so heat up that oven and hunker down with a hearty sausage bake that we guarantee will have you wishing for Winter again.