ASPARAGUS
Asparagus should be carefully looked over and washed, and then tied into a bunch with a piece of tape, with all the heads level, then with a very sharp knife an inch or two of the stalks should be so evenly cut off that the bunch will stand upright. Stand the asparagus in a deep saucepan so that the tips are well out of the water, add 1 teaspoon of salt, put a cover on the saucepan, and let cook about half an hour or twenty-five minutes. In this way the tips are sufficiently steamed by the time the stalks are cooked, and will not be cooked to pieces as when immersed in water.
ASPARAGUS WITH WHITE SAUCE
Having boiled the asparagus as directed, lift it out by plunging a sharp fork into it two or three inches from the bottom, lay it on a hot plate on the top of the stove, cut the tape and arrange 4 or 5 pieces each on long strips of toast, and pour over each 2 tablespoons of nicely seasoned white sauce; arrange neatly on a long platter with the asparagus heads all turned one way.
ASPARAGUS WITH DUTCH BUTTER
Proceed exactly as in above recipe, but instead of the white sauce pour a little melted butter over all, and serve with a small tureen of Dutch butter.