On the eve of spring and with March Madness fully underway, a celebratory mood was in full swing at last night’s #OnionChat Beer Lover’s Twitter party with hosts @Onionista (of the National Onion Association) and author and beer aficionado @JohnSchlimm!

The @Onionista got the party started by asking participants to share their favorite happy hour places as well as favorite March Madness team, favorite springtime activity and favorite way to enjoy onions (seems that the blooming onion had overwhelming approval).

Tweeting participants responded with their favorite ways to use onions, recipes, and beer pairings, as well as photos of some onion-inspired recipes. Here are some of the highlights:

@JohnSchlimm, author of The Ultimate Beer Lover’s Happy Hour: Over 325 Recipes for Your Favorite Bar Snacks & Beer Cocktails, shared not only his insight but also recipes including The Red-Headed Onionista as well as a March Happy Hour Tasting Menu. Participants were also encouraged to visit the National Onion Association’s website to find more great pairings and onion recipes.

The festive atmosphere continued with some end-of-party giveaways, including John’s book and a Sweet n’ Savory Onion set from the National Onion Association (NOA). The winners announced at the end of the party were: @MOMishStyle, @PinkHippo13, @chs93dlj and @MomLuvsSPORTZ.

The hosts offered a BIG THANKS to everyone who participated and attended. Enjoy March Madness & spring and the great pairings that go along with the season!