STALKING THE WILD ASPARAGUS

Spring came early to the frozen tundra this year. The first asparagus is appearing, and here's a great recipe to welcome the new season.


Cream of Asparagus Soup

2 1/2 cups vegetable broth or water
1 lb. fresh asparagus, cut into 1/2 inch pieces
1 large potato, thinly sliced
1/2 medium onion, chopped
1/2 cup celery, chopped
2 tbsp. flour
2 cups milk or soy milk
1/4 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. pepper
1/4 tsp. dried tarragon

In a large saucepan over medium heat, bring the broth or water to a boil.
Add the asparagus, onion, and celery, then reduce the heat and cook for 25 to 30 minutes.
Pour the mixture into a food processor along with the flour and puree until smooth. (If you don't have a food processor, use an immersible blender. Your soup will be a little chunkier, but I like it that way).
Return the soup to the saucepan, add the remaining ingredients, and simmer until the soup begins to thicken and is heated through.
Serve immediately.
Makes six servings.

BOOKS I READ IN MARCH

In Tim Dorsey's "Nuclear jellyfish," madcap psychopath Serge Storms wants to be THE travel authority on Florida. After all, who knows more about the history of the state? Serge and his ever-toking sidekick Coleman seek out justice for those who have been ripped off by cheap motels, con artists, and thugs. Serge's brand of justice includes items found at Home Depot and lots of duct tape. You'll laugh out loud, and never look at a garden hose the same way.

Polk: the man who transformed the presidency and America by Walter Borneman
Thereby hangs a tail by Spencer Quinn
Betty Crocker easy everyday vegetarian: meatless main dishes you'll love
Miss Zukas and the raven's dance by Jo Dereske
Breathtaker by Alice Blanchard
Which big giver stole the chopped liver? by Sharon Kahn
Killer market by Margaret Maron
Bell, book and scandal by Jill Churchill
Nuclear jellyfish by Tim Dorsey
The spirit woman by Margaret Coel
Miss Julia strikes back by Ann B. Ross
One last good-bye by Joyce and Jim Lavene
Trouble of fools by Linda Barnes
Clubbed to death by Elaine Viets

BOOK REVIEW

The Silver Ghost by Charlotte MacLeod

In ten words or less: Which eccentric relative or friend committed murder at Renaissance Revel?

Review: Sarah Kelling and Max Bittersohn attend the Renaissance Revel of Sarah's family friends, Bill and Abigail Billingsgate. During the festivities, one of the Billingsgate's employees is killed, and Sarah's Aunt Appie goes missing. The Billingsgate's valuable antique cars have been going missing, and Sarah and Max investigate. The local police are incompetent, and the couple must interview the eccentric collection of Kelling relatives in attendance.

Why bother? MacLeod's description of the Revel alone is worth reading the book. Who knew Morris dancing could be so funny? Sarah and Max are a pair of level headed thinkers among the assortment of odd ducks that are Sarah's old monied family.

BOOK REVIEW

Killer Insight by Victoria Laurie

In ten words or less: Professional psychic investigates missing bridesmaids; sulks over breakup with boyfriend.

Review: Abby Cooper is a psychic who has just broken up with her FBI agent boyfriend. Why didn't she see that coming? But a good friend is getting married in Colorado, and when Abby travels to the wedding, she gets seriously bad vibes when she looks at a photo of one of the other bridesmaids. And when the bridesmaid goes missing, Abby teams up with hunky Duffy McGinnis, the bride's brother and now sheriff to try to track down the woman. Chick lit meets mystery in this Psychic Eye series.

Why bother? For someone who is psychic, you think Abby would have been feeling some vibes from the ex-boyfriend. She also misreads clues and stumbles into dangerous situations. Still, an overall better-than-average amateur detective novel.

BOOK REVIEW

Blue Wolf in Green Fire by Joseph Heywood

In ten words or less: Conservation officer discovers a government cover-up when scientists are killed.

Review: Grady Service, a Vietnam vet, is a conservation officer in Michigan's Upper Peninsula investigating a deadly fire that killed two scientists. Animal rights activists are blamed, but Grady has his doubts, especially when the FBI and the governor get involved. Grady has just received a promotion that takes him out of his beloved Mosquito Wilderness and away from his much younger girlfriend and fellow conservation officer Maridly.

At the same time, poachers have been targeting bears for their gall bladders and deer with price specimen antlers, and now set their sites on the rare blue wolf that escaped from the secret scientific laboratory. Grady manages to untangle the mass of government lies, petty political grudges, and greed to bring the guilty to justice.

Why bother? Although Heywood's female characters are stereotypes with little individuality, his description of Michigan's Upper Peninsula is spot-on. Readers who enjoy mysteries with a hefty dose of nature and wildlife might like to try this series. Fans of Nevada Barr, Dana Stabenow, C.J. Box, and Steve Hamilton should add this author to their list.