Asparagus 101

On the Menu Today~

Fresh Asparagus 101

Today on my drive along the back roads of Wisconsin,

I passed a stand that was selling fresh asparagus.

I decided to pick some up, so I pulled the nearest driveway,

backed up and headed back to the farm stand.

In most States, I'd guess that the asparagus season is over but

here in Wisconsin, at least in the Northern half,
with cooler temperatures this spring and a whole lotta rain.....

it's finally asparagus time. Lucky for me:)

I don't usually buy asparagus, I'm the only one who likes it.
In fact, my hubby has a thing about green vegetables....
he doesn't like them...at all...he won't eat them either.

The only two green vegetables my hubby will eat are broccoli and celery.
All the other green vegetables from Artichokes to Okra he won't touch.
But I wasn't going to pass up fresh, picked asparagus.

What to look for when buying Asparagus~

When shopping for asparagus,
look for stems that are plum and straight.

Check the stems, if they are dry, split or
look 'woody', the asparagus is older.

Thin spears are more tender and sweet,

while fatter stems have a meatier texture and

have a stronger asparagus flavor.
It's a personal choice which you prefer.
I like them both.

How to store Asparagus~

Hold the bunch of asparagus together and

trim an inch off the ends of the asparagus.

Stand the asparagus up in a glass or glass jar and
add about an inch or two of water.

Make sure the ends are sitting in water.

Loosely cover the asparagus with a plastic bag and

store in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Change the water if it becomes cloudy.

How to clean Asparagus~

Rinse the spears under cool water to remove any dirt.

Snap off the bottom inch using your fingers.

The spears will naturally break where the tough woody part ends,

and the tender stem begins.

Dry the spears by rolling then gently between kitchen towels.

You can peel away any tough outer skins with a vegetable peeler,

if you feel it's necessary.

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Here are my favorite ways to make and eat asparagus

Roasted Asparagus

Ingredients

• 1 bunch asparagus spears, trimmed
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon sea salt
• 1/2 teaspoon white pepper
• 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 teaspoons grated lemon zest

Cooking Directions

1. Preheat oven to 425º
2. Arrange asparagus spears, in a single layer on a large baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil. Toss lightly to coat. Drizzle with balsamic vinegar.
3. Sprinkle asparagus spears with minced garlic, sea salt, and pepper.
4. Bake in preheated oven just until tender, 15 to 20 minutes depending on thickness.
5. Remove from and oven, sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and lemon zest just before serving.

Now on to the second recipe.

It's super simple and super delicious.

Take some bacon and 

wrap it around asparagus spears.

Roast in the oven, done!

I mean really, who doesn't like bacon!

You can wrap bacon around anything and

it will taste good.

I mean really, who doesn't like bacon~

Bacon Wrapped Asparagus

Ingredients

• 20 asparagus spears
• 10 strips bacon

Cooking Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.
2. Wash asparagus and pat dry. Trim off spear end by at least 1 to 2 inches.
3. Slice strips of bacon down the center to make two long, thin pieces.*
4. Wrap the bacon around the asparagus and place on a foil lined baking sheet.
5. Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until the bacon is crisp and asparagus is tender, drain a few minutes on paper towels.
6. Serve immediately.

*Kitchen scissors work great for this step.

Asparagus, Bacon, Garlic, Spices, Olive Oil, Roasted