Salt to taste (I like to use a very good coarse sea salt or fleur de sel for this)

Asparagus With Cheese 1 1/2 pounds fresh asparagus Salt to taste if desired 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese 1/4 cup melted butter.

Tiny Diced Potatoes 4 Idaho or Washington potatoes, about 1 1/4 pounds 1/3 cup vegetable or corn oil 2 tablespoons butter Salt to taste.

CUCUMBER SALAD 1/4 cup sugar 1/3 cup white vinegar 1 or 2 cloves garlic, mashed Salt to taste 6 Kirby cucumbers, thinly sliced.

Garlic Potatoes 4 russet potatoes, about 1 1/2 pounds 6 cloves garlic, peeled Salt to taste 3 tablespoons butter 1Y cups milk Freshly ground white pepper to taste.

COCONUT RICE Time: 30 minutes 2 cans unsweetened coconut milk, 3 to 4 cups 1 1/2 cups rice, preferably jasmine Salt to taste.

Braised Endives 8 small Belgian endives, about 1 pound 2 tablespoons butter Juice of 1/2 lemon Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste 1/4 teaspoon sugar Y cup water.

Parsleyed Potatoes 12 small new red potatoes (about 1 1/2 pounds) Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste 1 tablespoon butter 1/4 cup finely chopped parsley.

Chicken Tarragon Preparation time: 15 minutes Cooking time: 3 hours 1 4-pound chicken Salt to taste 1/4 cup dried tarragon.

Sauteed Potatoes 8 new red-skinned potatoes, about 1 pound Salt to taste 2 tablespoons olive oil 1 tablespoon butter Freshly ground pepper to taste.