A Year-Round Guide to Franklin and Nantahala

Yield: 1 quart or 6 servings. 2 pounds fresh asparagus spears, tips firm and intact 2 cups water ⅜ cup rice vinegar 1½ tablespoons kosher salt 1 tablespoon honey 2

Rosemary and Goat Cheese Strata

Yield: 1 quart or 6 servings. 2 pounds fresh asparagus spears, tips firm and intact 2 cups water ⅜ cup rice vinegar 1½ tablespoons kosher salt 1 tablespoon honey 2

Pickled Asparagus Spears

Yield: 1 quart or 6 servings.

2 pounds fresh asparagus spears, tips firm and intact
2 cups water
cup rice vinegar
1½ tablespoons kosher salt
1 tablespoon honey
2 cloves garlic, peeled
2 to 3 lemon slices, seeds removed
2 sprigs fresh dill
1 teaspoon whole mustard seeds

Wash and trim the asparagus, cutting off 2 to 3 inches from the base. Discard lower stems.

Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Meanwhile, prepare a large bowl of ice water. When the pot of water is at a full rolling boil, drop in the asparagus spears and boil for 15 seconds. Drain the asparagus in a colander and immediately transfer it to the bowl of ice water.

In a small saucepan, combine 2 cups of water, vinegar, salt, and honey. Bring to a boil, stirring once or twice to dissolve the salt and honey. Remove from heat and let the brine cool slightly.

Place the garlic cloves and lemon slices into the bottom of a clean glass quart jar. Place asparagus spears in jar, tips facing upward, and pack tightly. Add the dill and mustard seeds as you do so.

Pour the cooled brine into the jar over the other ingredients, completely covering the asparagus with the liquid. Secure the lid and store in the refrigerator for up to 7 days.

 

This story was published on Mar 16, 2020

Lynn Wells

Lynn Wells gained a fond respect and interest in cooking from her mother and Aunt Addie at the age of 8 in North Carolina. During college, Wells worked in a wide range of restaurants, from fine dining to family- owned. After graduating from UNC Greensboro with a degree in nutrition management and hospitality, Wells began a 21-year career in the nutrition department at Cone Health. In 2014, Wells started Thyme Well Spent Personal Chef Service, an in-home cooking experience for private clients, which continues today. Wells is also a food writer, food stylist, culinary consultant, and the recipe developer/writer for Our State.