Asparagus is tossed with an emulsified vinaigrette that's laced with soy sauce. Soy and ground mustard are a common combination in Japan, resulting in a unique wasabi-like flavor. Since the egg yolk goes into the dressing raw, use a pasteurized egg - most grocery stores stock them.

Different and delicious:bitter and salty and tart. Be careful not to overcook the broccoli rabe. I'd recommend blanching for only a couple of minutes. I'll be making this again!

RELIABLE SIDES: Meet your trusty support staff: This set of go-with-anything side dishes will become an invaluable addition to your recipe repertoire.

These tender, vibrant carrots have a buttery glaze and a mild sweetness. It's a simple dish, but it sure makes carrots seem special.

Creamy, buttery and simply yummy! Try it instead of mashed potatoes, noodles or rice.

Great summer salad and super easy to make.

Steamed broccoli, seasoned quickly in hot garlicky butter is an excellent accompaniment to veal or chicken main dishes. Deliciossso!!!

If summer's unexpected romance was with green beans, then the fall's affair is with butternut squash. This is -- what, the third? fourth? -- time I've cooked butternut squash and its cousins the acorn, the kabocha, the buttercup and other winter squashes. Such a classic winter squash ..

These peas have been a part of our traditional English Christmas for years.

Tip: For the sweetest corn, cook it as soon as possible after buying it. The sugar in corn begins to turn to starch the moment the ears are picked; cool temperatures slow this process.