1,420 spear recipes

Fresh asparagus spears nestle into a creamy egg and cheese custard spiked with dill and tarragon for a springtime quiche that's as elegant for brunch as it is satisfying for dinner.

Crisp asparagus spears meet charred red peppers and tangy goat cheese in this vibrant spring salad. Fresh shallots and garlic-spiked vinaigrette bring the whole thing together in under 10 minutes.

Marinated asparagus steams fresh spears, then chills them in a bright orange and lemon vinaigrette with cayenne. A make-ahead spring side dish with citrusy tang and a hint of warmth.

Easy marinated asparagus blanches fresh spears and soaks them overnight in Italian dressing for a tangy, make-ahead side dish. Cool, crisp-tender, and ready to plate on a lettuce leaf.

Icycle pickles are old-fashioned 14-day sweet crock pickles with a glassy crisp bite. Cucumber spears soak through brine, alum, and a daily-reheated cider vinegar syrup with pickling spices.

Carolines, French savory choux pastries split and filled with warm crab and asparagus spears, finished with a beurre blanc-style lemon dill butter sauce. An elegant first course or canapé for eight.

Minced lamb fondue rolls seasoned ground lamb with scallions and breadcrumbs into walnut-sized balls that get speared and deep-fried at the table. Served with a creamy sherry-mushroom sauce for dipping.

Using a short and easier technique, these pickles still deliver all the flavor of long-cured deli pickles.

Fresh asparagus spears with a make-ahead orange and lime citrus cream sauce. Just 50 calories per serving, this elegant low-fat side dish is ready in 30 minutes and doubles as an impressive entertaining platter.

Asparagus spears wrapped in ham slices and baked under a homemade cheddar cheese sauce with dry mustard. A retro-style ham and asparagus roll-up that makes a satisfying weeknight dinner in about 35 minutes.

Rouladen are classic German beef rolls: thin-pounded round steak wrapped around mustard, onion, bacon, and a pickle spear, then braised slowly in a rich pan gravy. Served with red cabbage and boiled potatoes for a proper Sunday supper.

Authentic Chinese stir-fried chicken and asparagus in fermented black bean sauce with garlic and sherry. A savory, glossy wok dish with tender thigh meat that rivals your favorite takeout.

Quick curried sweet potato soup with garlic, chicken broth, and skim evaporated milk. Low-fat, creamy, and warming in just 30 minutes. Garnish with steamed asparagus.

Salmon salad platter with marinated broccoli, hard-boiled eggs, tomatoes, and cucumbers on mixed greens. Dressed with a light tarragon yogurt dressing made from the broccoli marinade.

Stir-fried udon noodles with chicken or tofu, cabbage, broccoli, and zucchini in a quick 30-minute one-pan meal. Veggie-loaded, adaptable, and ready faster than takeout.

Chinese stir-fried assorted vegetables in a glossy clear sauce with carved carrots, turnips, mushrooms, baby corn, and optional crab. A showpiece side dish from the wok.