When daylight savings sneaks up on us, although we might seem to be losing an hour initially, we gain so much more when it comes to the benefits of daylight stretching into dinnertime.
All of a sudden, the collective mood lifts and our cravings change towards lighter meals, fresh salads, more seafood and, of course, the barbecue gets fired up again.
Not only does daylight savings correspond with the warmer months that inspire outdoor dining, but that extra boost of vitamin D lifts our natural serotonin levels, improving our mood.
This makes us more inclined to gather around the table for that all important social interaction that feeds the soul.
Somehow, we also feel like we have a little more time to prepare the evening meal and revel in the pleasure that brings, before settling in for the night.
For me, daylight dining means flash-in-the-pan meals, like pan-fried salmon or garlicky prawns; fast-cooking chargrilled meats like lamb cutlets, pork fillet and chicken tenderloins; robust grain or pasta salads and even the paella pan gets a workout!
Of course, I also lean on the freshness of new season avocados, asparagus, sugar snap peas and Spring herbs to add a burst of greenery.
Just like a butterfly after months of cocooning, I love to venture outside and set the table on the terrace, or pack an easy picnic to enjoy at a local park for the refreshment that being surrounded by nature offers.
Here are some of my favourite Springtime dishes that suit the bright mood that daylight dinners bring and are made to share.