SHRIMP STIR-FRY with NOODLES

3/4 pound (41 to 50 per lb ) frozen shelled, deveined shrimp
3/4 pound asparagus
8 to 9 ounces fresh linguine
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 cloves garlic, peeled and pressed
1 cup chopped tomatoes
3/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
about 1/2 cup chicken or vegetable broth
salt and pepper

Place shrimp in a colander, rinse frequently with cold water until thawed. about 5 minutes. In a covered 5 to 6 quart nonstick pan over high heat, bring 2 - 1/2 to 3 quarts water to a boil.

Break off and discard tough stem ends from asparagus. Rinse asparagus and cut diagonally into 1 - 1/4 - inch lengths.

Add linguine and shrimp to boiling water, cook uncovered, until pasta is barely tender to bite and shrimp are opaque, but still moist-looking in center of thickest part, 2 to 3 minutes. Wash colander and pour pasta and shrimp into it, rinse with hot water and drain.

Rinse pan and return to heat heat. When dry, add oil, garlic and asparagus. Stir often until garlic begins to brown, about 2 minutes. Add tomatoes, cilantro and 1/2 cup broth; bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium.

Pour shrimp mixture into pan. Mix until pasta is hot, 1 to 2 minutes. For a moister dish, add 2 to 4 tablespoons broth. Pour into a wide bowl. Add salt and pepper to taste.

Yield: Makes 3 servings

" ASIAN BEEF and NOODLES "

1 tablespoon vegetable oil

1 pound lean ground beef

1 small green bell pepper, seeded and thinly sliced

4 scallions, trimmed and thinly sliced

2 tablespoons ginger, finely chopped

1 clove garlic, finely chopped

1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes

3 tablespoons stir - fry sauce

3 tablespoons lime juice

8 ounces thin spaghetti

Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil

In a large skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add beef to skillet and cook for 6 minutes or until no longer pink.

Add green pepper, scallions, ginger, garlic and red pepper flakes to skillet, cook for minutes, stirring occasionally. Turn off heat and stir in stir fry sauce and lime juice.

Well beef is cooking prepare spaghetti following package directions. Drain and add to skillet with beef mixture. Toss to combine.

Makes 4 serving.