I peel the asparagus stalks for this recipe (so they are completely edible) and cook them in just enough water so that most of it has evaporated by the time the asparagus is cooked, thus preserving the...
The meat counter at your market is likely to carry a few different kinds of ham. Choose half a smoked bone-in ham labeled "fully cooked." In this recipe a country-style ham would be too dry and salty.