Sugar snap peas are in season! Sweet and succulent they are a cross between English peas and snow peas and can be eaten pods and all. They are a favorite with children who love them fresh or with a light dip. Boil them un.. l bright green (1-2 min.), then run under cold water to halt cooking,and toss them warm with pesto, toasted pine nuts and bu.. ered egg noodles. Or roast them with olive oil and sea salt beneath the broiler un.. l crisp-tender and lightly browned on the edges, drizzle with a few drops of toasted sesame oil before serving.

Try this recipe for a fresh spring salad:

Sugar Snap Pea Salad with Sweet Ginger Dressing

1/2 lb sugar snap peas
1/2 C. carrots julienne-cut
2 tsp toasted sesame seeds
You may also add:
1/2 C. chopped steamed asparagus,
broccoli or cauliflower,
1/4 C. slivered radishes

Cook peas in boiling water 30 seconds. Drain and rinse with cold water. Combine peas and remaining ingredients except sesame seeds.

Dressing
2 tsp dark sesame oil
1 T ginger, minced
1 T fresh garlic, minced

1/4 tsp crushed red pepper
1 tbsp oyster sauce
1 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp sugar
1/8 tsp salt

Heat oil in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add ginger; sauté 2 minutes. Add garlic and crushed red pepper; cook 1 minute. S.. r in oyster sauce, soy sauce, sugar, and salt; bring to a simmer. Remove from heat. Drizzle dressing over salad; toss well. Sprinkle with sesame seeds. Enjoy.

For more informa.. on about where to find local foods: www.snovalley.. lth.org