Cured meats like sausage, ham, and bacon Cut into ½-inch pieces or nuggets and parcook in butter (let bacon cook in its own fat) until crisp on the edges and well browned Firm vegetables like onions, shallots, bell peppers, and hot peppers Dice and soften in butter Tomatoes Dice, salt, and drain Tender leafy vegetables like spinach Sauté in butter, with a bit of minced garlic if and arugula desired Tender squashes like zucchini and summer squash Sauté in butter Asparagus Cut into ¼-inch slices on the bias and sauté in butter Scallions Thinly slice whites and sauté in butter; thinly slice greens and incorporate into the filling or reserve for garnish ... Asparagus Cut into ¼-inch slices on the bias and sauté in butter Scallions Thinly slice whites and sauté in butter; thinly slice greens and incorporate into the filling or reserve for garnish