I have even noticed a few much neglected asparagus spears popping up in our garden. However you will need more than a few spears to make the Toasted Asparagus and Swiss Cheese roll recipe from Ruth Pretty's latest book.
Ruth's book was a great project to work on as the food images were complemented by editorial photography, landscapes and photos of garden produce.
Ruth's recipe is a healthy version of the famous Dunedin cheese roll.
Toasted Asparagus and Swiss Cheese Rolls
Having only eaten walnuts sporadically I was intrigued to find although the nut has culinary use, the shells are used for making dynamite, oil paint, plastics and helping to drill oil wells. I am sure the dynamite discovery must have come from some lateral thinker watching the walnuts 'explode' from their husks before falling to the ground.
Fresh walnut ripening on tree
The walnuts (roasted) go well with Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese and Champagne...
Whole Parmiganio Reggiano cheese with cheese straws and champagne.
...but if you desire something tasty on a smaller budget try this salad from Ruth Pretty
Ruth Pretty's pear, celery and walnut salad with honey vinaigrette.