MARCH 2026 38 T he days are already warm, the mornings are a little less chilly, and meals naturally start to feel lighter and fresher. It’s the perfect time to lean into simple, fresh recipes that don’t overcomplicate things. The viral carrot salad is a reminder that vegetables don’t need much to shine. Crisp carrot ribbons are tossed with zesty flavors that deliver crunch and brightness in every bite. It’s an ideal make-ahead dish that works just as well as a quick side as it does layered into wraps or bowls. For something heartier, the buffalo chickpea lettuce wraps bring a little kick of flavor while still feeling light and fresh. Saucy, spiced chickpeas add warmth and satisfaction, while crisp lettuce and crunchy toppings keep everything balanced. They’re easy to assemble and perfect for relaxed lunches or simple outdoor dinners. Rounding things out, the papaya glow salad fully embraces the season’s brighter side. Juicy, colorful fruit and refreshing flavors make this dish feel like sunshine on a plate, perfect for outdoor lunches, casual gatherings, or afternoons when you’re craving something naturally sweet. These recipes are an easy way to enjoy early spring, with fresh, simple meals that feel good to make and eat. Join my monthly membership for printable recipes, health videos and live Zoom cooking classes – spring classes are available now! Only $10 a month! Easy eats for eat-outside season 1. Combine and serve! • ½ chopped papaya • 2 small mangos or one large mango, chopped • 1 diced red pepper • ½ cup diced cilantro • 1 can black beans, drained • 1 cup corn • 1 large or two diced avocados • Juice of three limes or ¼ cup lime juice • 1 tsp. pink salt • ½ tsp. each: cumin, garlic powder, pepper • DIRECTIONS • • INGREDIENTS • Owner of YouCare- SelfCare, a private wellness practice specializing in plant- based lifestyle and disease prevention. youcare-selfcare.com BY MIRIAM HAHN Papaya glow salad Serves 2-3 • INGREDIENTS • • 1 can garbanzo beans, rinsed and drained • 2 scallions, chopped • 2 celery stalks, diced • ½ cup shredded carrots • ¼ cup cilantro, chopped • 3 tbsp. vegan mayo • 3 tbsp. buffalo sauce • ½ tsp. pink salt • ¼ tsp. pepper • ½ cup toasted sunflower seeds • Butter lettuce 1. Mash beans with a food processor or with a fork. 2. Add everything else in and mix well. Scoop out and stuff into a lettuce cup. • DIRECTIONS • Buffalo chickpea lettuce wraps Serves 2 1. Wash the carrots and cut off the stem and tip. 2. Using a peeler, peel the carrots into thin ribbon slices – a Y-shaped peeler is ideal for this. Add the carrots to a bowl with the chopped green onions. 3. In a small bowl whisk together the sesame oil, soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, maple syrup, and lime juice. 4. Toss the salad with the dressing and top with sesame seeds. • DIRECTIONS • Viral carrot salad Serves 1-2 • 2-3 whole carrots • 2 green onions, chopped • 1 tbsp. sesame oil • 1 tbsp. rice wine vinegar • 1 tbsp. soy sauce • 1 tbsp. maple syrup • 1 lime, juiced • 1 tbsp. toasted sesame seeds • INGREDIENTS •

39 MARCH 2026 Face-off time: Area high school lacrosse season is underway Brophy Prep. PHOTO COURTESY OF STEVE SHAFF PHOTO COURTESY OF DUSTIN KOWELL PHOTO COURTESY OF DUSTIN KOWELL By Michael P. Murphy Often called the fastest-growing sport on two feet, lacrosse is back on local fields – and with it comes fresh faces, renewed rivalries and plenty of early-season intrigue. In and around Arcadia, high school programs are shaking off the offseason rust and setting the tone for what promises to be an exciting spring, even if the stat sheets are still mostly blank.  Arcadia High enters the season in transition after graduating a large senior class. While past teams benefited from veteran-heavy rosters, this spring brings a different challenge – and opportunity – for Coach Dustin Kowell. After losing 20 seniors, many of them starters, Kowell leaned into a strong recruiting period to reload the roster. Two returning seniors are expected to anchor the team: Grayson MacIntosh, an attackman poised to be a major offensive contributor, and Jordan Gortarez-Nelson, a face-off fielder who will play a key role in controlling possession. “We have a lot of new faces on defense,” Coach Kowell said. “I’m looking forward to seeing who’s going to step into the shoes of last year’s graduates.” That sense of competition and discovery is already fueling practices; as younger players get their first taste of varsity action. And when it comes to motivation, Arcadia doesn’t have to look far. The coach considers Brophy Prep to be a good rival for Arcadia because many of the boys from both schools live in the same neighborhood and play the sport together…  …and Brophy Coach Pat Harbeson agrees. His program once again features a deep and experienced roster, including five players already committed to play at the collegiate level. Midfielder Eli Friedman, a four-year varsity player and one of the team’s two captains, is known for his ability to put points on the board. Joining him as co-captain is Dane Helt, also a four-year varsity senior and a lead defenseman. Junior Jack Grisoni adds strength at the face-off position, giving Brophy an edge in key possessions. Between the pipes, the Broncos boast an unusual luxury: two senior goalies in CJ Wendell and Ryan Peitzmeier, who bring both talent and teamwork to the position. “They fight and push each other in practice all the time,” Coach Harbeson said. “Ryan is CJ’s biggest advocate and vice versa. In a selfless act during a recent game, Ryan let CJ make his first career start as a varsity goalie. He saved the ball at 75 percent, but he had a great opening game.” That unselfish dynamic sets the tone for a team with high expectations and a clear emphasis on chemistry as the season unfolds.  Xavier Prep is embracing a season of growth and leadership under Coach Diana Oduho. With a roster that blends experienced returners and emerging contributors, the focus is on development and cohesion. “We have players now stepping into leadership roles as juniors and seniors and kind of owning their positions,” she said. “The team will be a little bit different, but it will be nice because our offense returns almost everyone, where our defense will be a little younger.” Leading the charge is senior Amelia Busch, a First Team All-State selection last year at attack and a player Coach Oduho expects to rely on heavily. “A good player on offense and defense with great stick skills,” she said. Claire McClosky, another First Team All-State honoree, returns as a midfielder with seemingly endless energy. Coach Oduho describes her as a do-it-all player with a motor that won’t stop. The team also features juniors Mackenna Packer – known as “Packer the Attacker” – and her sister Keegan, who both started as freshmen and earned increased playing time through steady improvement and hard work. With early-season storylines taking shape across programs, one thing is clear: while the season may be young, the excitement surrounding area high school lacrosse is already in full swing. Arcadia’s Grayson McIntosh. Xavier Prep. Jordan Gortarez-Nelson. PHOTO COURTESY OF DIANA ODUHO