We’re teaming up with food and garden bloggers to host Spring Fling 2011, a season-long garden party. In coming weeks, we’ll feature favorite garden-to-table recipes and tips to help you enjoy the bounty, whether you’re harvesting your own goodies or buying them fresh from the market.

Spring is in the air, which means it’s time for fresh asparagus.  This green veggie is packed with energy boosting B-vitamins and a boatload of other nutrients like fiber, vitamin C, beta-carotene and iron. Here are 5 ways to cook it up.

Cook up a quick and easy stir-fry and don’t forget to add the asparagus for some extra crunch.

Asparagus is delicious any time of day! Add to an omelet or frittata and combine with tomatoes, peas and mozzarella cheese.

RECIPE: Asparagus and Fresh Pea Frittata with Tomato Basil Concasse

These masterpiece appetizers contain 114 calories per serving (6 spears) and take 12 minutes. What an easy way to please your guests!

Asparagus can be added to a variety spring salads but this healthy Paula Deen combo of corn, asparagus, onions and basil is one of our favorites.

Cook up a batch of spring vegetable risotto for a light weeknight dinner.  Lightly sprinkle the Parmesan cheese to keep calories and fat under control.

Toby Amidor, MS, RD, CDN, is a registered dietitian and consultant who specializes in food safety and culinary nutrition. See Toby's full bio »

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