Ingredients

serves 4

　　1 1/2 pounds fresh asparagus, peeled and trimmed

　　Green tops of 2 large leeks, washed and trimmed

　　1/2 pound small new red potatoes, cooked but not peeled

　　4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) unsalted butter

　　Salt and freshly ground pepper

　　

Step 1

Cut the asparagus crosswise into 1-inch lengths, keeping the tips separate from the stems; set aside. Slice the leek tops crosswise about 1/4 inch thick. Slice the potatoes into 1/4-inch-thick rounds.

　　

Step 2

In a skillet or saute pan that will comfortably hold all the ingredients, melt the butter over medium-high heat. Add the potatoes and the asparagus stems. Saute, shaking the pan frequently, until the potatoes are beginning to turn golden, about 3 minutes.

　　

Step 3

Add the leek greens and asparagus tips, a healthy pinch of salt, and a liberal grinding of pepper. Sauté, shaking the pan and tossing the ingredients frequently, until the asparagus is tender and beginning to brown a little. It should still be firm and bright green. Taste and correct the seasonings, and serve at once.

　　The Lady & Sons, Too! by Paula Deen. © 2001 by Paula H. Deen. Published by Random House. All Rights Reserved.Paula H. Deen was born and raised in Albany, Georgia. She later moved to Savannah, where she and her two sons, Bobby and Jamie, started the Bag Lady catering company. The business took off and evolved into The Lady & Sons Restaurant, which is located in Savannah’s historic district and specializes in Southern cooking. Paula is the host of Food Network’s Paula’s Home Cooking and is a regular guest on QVC, where her cookbooks are one of the newtowrk’s biggest sellers.