Asparagus

In this preparation, orzo is treated like risotto, which produces richer flavors and a creamier texture — with almost no stirring.

A green salad is all you need to make this pasta — its creaminess sharpened with a touch of horseradish — into a complete dinner. When shopping, it's helpful to know that egg noodles are usually sold coiled into small nests.

Active time: 20 min Start to finish: 30 min

The pasta and sauce cook simultaneously (so two cooks can divide and conquer), for a total of about ten minutes, start to finish. Serve with your best bottle of bubbly.

The plump ravioli called pansoti ("little bellies"), a Ligurian specialty, are often dressed with a walnut sauce. We strayed from tradition a bit and tucked the walnuts into the filling instead. Be sure to buy pancetta that's well marbled: If it's too lean, it won't render enough fat to flavor the filling. Also, brown the onions well — the caramelization lends a depth and richness that's essential to this dish.

The bright green of the fried asparagus with the yellow egg sauce and the orange salmon roe topping makes a colorful display.

A lovely start to this spring supper would be mugs of green pea soup sprinkled with chives. Accompany the pizza with an arugula, radicchio and endive salad dressed with balsamic vinaigrette. Offer gelato for dessert.

Top-of-season asparagus is enhanced only by a little olive-oil cooking spray and salt in a simple and sensational side dish.

The grill-and a dash of roasted garlic oil-give the asparagus terrific flavor without adding much fat.

Fontina cheese is available at cheese shops and some supermarkets.

This delicate dish is also a nice first course.

An early version of this recipe appeared in Fannie Farmer's 1896 Boston Cooking-School Cook Book. Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Start this meatless meal with artichokes filled with a lemon mayonnaise for dipping, and serve the risotto with a mixed green and cherry tomato salad and a basket of toasted herb bread. To polish things off, set out a purchased raspberry tart.