2 Large avocados

2 c Chicken broth

Salt, pepper 2 c Whipping cream

2 T Cognac

2 T Sherry

Frozen avocado shell cups Peel avocados and dice pulp. Puree pulp in blender container with chicken broth. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Gradually stir in whipping cream. Chill. Add cognac and sherry just before serving. Note: To make frozen avocado-shell cups for soup, cut a slice from stem end of avocado. Scoop out pulp and discard seed. Reserve cap. Use pulp for soup or puree with small amount of lemon juice and freeze for future use. Place shell upright in cup or egg carton. freeze until firm. To serve, embed avocado shell in crushed ice in a dessert dish or soup icer. Carefully spoon in soup and lean cap against side of avocado. Makes about 4 cups.

1 lb Fresh asparagus, trimmed

1/4 c Minced shallots

3 tb Tarragon-white wine vinegar

4 ts Chopped fresh tarragon OR

1 1/4 ts Dried tarragon

1 ts Dijon mustard

7 tb Hazelnut oil, walnut oil

-or olive oil 4 c Baby lettuces or inner

-leaves of curly endive 1/4 c Hazelnuts, toasted, husked,

-coarsely chopped

Pour water into large pot to depth of 1 inch and bring to boil. Place asparagus on steamer rack set over water in pot. Cover pot and steam until asparagus is cresp-tender, about 4 minutes. Transfer asparagus to bowl of ice water and cool. Drain. Place asparagus on paper towls. (Can be prepared 6 hours ahead. Cover and refrigerate.) Combine shallots, vinegar, tarragon and mustard in bowl. Gradually whisk in oil. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Place baby lettuces on large platter. Arrange asparagus atop lettuces. Drizzle with vinaigrette. Sprinkle with hazelnuts. From The Loire Valley Bon Appetit/May 94 Typed by Didi Pahl