Angel Hair with Asparagus and Tomatoes

16 stalks fresh asparagus
1 tablespoon olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
6 medium plum (Roma) tomatoes, seeded and chopped (2-1/4 cups)
1/4 cup dry white wine
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon butter (no substitutes)
1 9-ounce package refrigerated angel hair pasta
1/4 cup shredded fresh basil

1. Trim asparagus and rinse in cold water. Remove the tips; set aside. Bias-slice remaining asparagus stalks into 1- to 1-1/2-inch pieces; set aside.

2. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the garlic and 1/4 teaspoon pepper; cook and stir 1 minute. Add tomatoes; cook and stir about 2 minutes more.

3. Add asparagus pieces, wine, and salt to mixture. Cook, uncovered, for 3 minutes. Add asparagus tips; cook, uncovered, for 1 minute more. Add butter; stir until melted.

4. Meanwhile, cook pasta according to package directions. Drain pasta. Return to pan and toss with asparagus mixture and basil. Makes 3 servings.

Full-Steam-Ahead Fish

2 6-ounce orange roughy or other fish fillets
Small fresh basil leaves
1 clove garlic, minced
2 teaspoons shredded fresh ginger
1 cup thinly sliced sweet peppers
8 ounces asparagus spears, trimmed

1. Make bias cuts about 3/4-inch apart into the fish fillets. (Do not cut completely through fish.) Tuck 1 or 2 whole basil leaves into each cut. Rub fillets with garlic and ginger.

2. Place peppers and asparagus in a steamer basket. Top with fish. Place basket into a large, deep saucepan or wok in which 1-inch of water is boiling. Cover; steam 6 to 8 minutes or until fish just flakes easily when tested with a fork. Makes 2 servings.

Thai Shrimp and Fresh Vegetable Rice

3/4 pound fresh or frozen peeled and deveined medium shrimp
2 tablespoons lime juice
4 teaspoons soy sauce
1 fresh jalapeno pepper, seeded and finely chopped*
1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
1 clove garlic, minced
1 tablespoon cooking oil
1 pound asparagus spears, bias-sliced into 1-inch pieces
1 small red sweet pepper, cut into thin bite-size strips
3 cups hot cooked rice
1/4 cup chopped peanuts

1. Thaw shrimp, if frozen. Rinse shrimp; pat dry. Place shrimp in medium bowl. For marinade, combine lime juice, soy sauce, jalapeno pepper, ginger, and garlic. Pour over shrimp; toss to coat. Marinate at room temperature for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Drain shrimp well, reserving marinade.

2. Heat oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. (Add more oil if necessary during cooking.) Stir-fry shrimp in hot oil for 2 to 3 minutes or until shrimp turn pink. Remove from wok; cover and keep warm. Add asparagus and pepper strips to wok; stir-fry for 2 to 3 minutes or until crisp-tender. Add reserved marinade to wok and bring just to boiling. Stir in cooked rice and peanuts.

3. To serve, transfer rice mixture to individual bowls or dinner plates. Spoon shrimp on top. Makes 4 servings.

*Note: Because chili peppers, such as jalapenos, contain volatile oils that can burn your skin and eyes, avoid direct contact with them as much as possible. When working with chili peppers, put plastic bags over your hands or wear plastic or rubber gloves. If your bare hands do touch the chili peppers, wash your hands well with soap and warm water.

Make-Ahead Tip: Prepare shrimp as above. Cover and marinate in refrigerator for up to 2 hours, stirring occasionally. Drain well, reserving marinade. Cook and serve as above.