Simmering asparagus briefly in well-salted water is the way for first-of-the-season asparagus. A stellar first course or a light lunch.
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Baked Peppers with Feta and Bread Crumbs
Sweet peppers seem destined for stuffing, given their shape and hollow interior. There are all kinds of delightful sweet peppers available, in every color and size. I found some diminutive, colorful Gypsy peppers at the market one day and came up with this dish, which actually qualifies as dainty and delicate.
Kentucky Bourbon Balls
My version of the candy classic tastes just enough of delicious bourbon without it feeling like you’ve done a shot when you pop it in your mouth. A little sorghum syrup brings out the earthiness of the pecans and bourbon. For a true indulgence, I like to dip these in milk chocolate, but you can use bittersweet for a more sophisticated edge, or a combo of both.
Jambalaya Casserole
This Louisiana inspired chicken and rice casserole adds a little jazz to the standard casserole list. I love having the flavors of jambalaya in a make-ahead, buffet-friendly version.
Buttermilk Bacon Stuffed Eggs
No Southern food spread of any kind—funeral, baby shower, wedding party, holiday celebration, or tailgate—would be complete without a tray of stuffed eggs.
Lemon Ricotta Cake with Sweetened Whipped Cream and Berries
Because there’s not much flour in this batter, the crumb is chewy, sort of like a cross between a custard pie and a buttery cake. The cake is very thin but a good platform for the whipped cream and berries.
