Peas

Fresh baby peas are such a rarity that most of us rely on frozen peas. In fact, most of the year frozen peas, especially baby peas, are sweeter and seem fresher than the overgrown woody peas commonly found at the supermarket. The trick to cooking frozen peas is to disobey the instructions that tell you to boil them. Boiling is unnecessary, since they are already lightly cooked at the factory. All you need to do is heat them up with a little water in a pan, and then toss them with butter and, if you like, some chopped herbs. In spring or early summer, you may find fresh baby peas at a local farmers’ market. If you do, cook them in salted boiling water for about 1 minute, drain, and toss with butter.