STEAMED SUGAR SNAP PEAS WITH MINT (for six)

1-1/2 pounds sugar snap peas, trimmed

2 tablespoons unsalted butter

2 tablespoons finely shredded fresh mint

salt and pepper to taste

1. Put the peas in a steamer basket, rinse them under cold tap water and set them aside to drain while you bring the steaming water to a boil.

2. Add a couple of inches of cold tap water to the pan of a vegetable steamer (it should come just below, but not touch, the steamer basket). Put the lid on top and bring the water to a boil over high heat.

3. Remove the lid and place the steamer basket with the sugar snaps into the steamer over the boiling water. Cover, reduce the temperature to medium and steam for 3 to 4 minutes, or until the peas are crisp tender and still a vivid green.  Immediately run the peas, still in the steamer basket, under cold tap water for several minutes to stop the cooking and retain the bright color.

4. In a large skillet melt the butter, add 1 tablespoon finely shredded fresh mint, the sugar snap peas and salt and pepper to taste, and heat the mixture over moderately low heat, stirring, until the peas are heated through. Sprinkle the peas with the remaining 1 tablespoon finely shredded fresh mint.

from Gourmet Magazine, September, 1993