Dinner Party Worthy Fresh Asparagus Food

ASPARAGUS FOR DINNER

Steps:

• Cut away the lower 4th of the asparagus and peel the stalk. This way the entire spear is edible will cook more quickly and at the same rate.
• Bring 2 inches of water to a boil in a casserole or skillet large enough to accommodate the asparagus in one single flat layer.
• Add the asparagus to the water, cover and quickly bring the water back to a boil. Uncover the skillet and simmer for 4 to 5 minutes or until the asparagus are just tender. They should be just cooked through but still with some crunch left it.
• Serving suggestions: For 1 pound asparagus, melt 4 tablespoons butter and mash in 2 hard boiled eggs. Season to taste with salt, pepper and snipped fresh chives. Dip warm asparagus into the mixture and accompany with bread.
• Serve asparagus at room temperature, either plain or dressed with vinaigrette and accompanied with goat cheese bruschetta.

DINNER PARTY WORTHY FRESH ASPARAGUS

Steps:

• Wash asparagus well & trim stem-ends so spears are 8" long. Parboil spears till just barely fork-tender, but still fairly crisp. Quickly drain & cover w/cold water to stop cooking process. Drain again when cool & set aside.
• Cut bacon slices crosswise, fry till crisp & drain well on paper towel.
• Slice ea egg crosswise into 6 slices.
• To assemble, pat asparagus spears dry w/paper towel & place equally in 6 groups in a 9"x13" baking dish. Top ea group w/1 sliced egg + equal amts of the crisped bacon pieces along their length & set aside.
• Microwave cream cheese in sml dish to soften & warm slightly. Set aside.
• Combine butter & flour over med-low heat to make a roux & gradually add milk. Use the flat a spatula to eliminate any lumps as you go.
• Do not overcook sauce. When milk has been added & the sauce is smooth & thickening, remove from heat & incorporate the softened cream cheese & lemon pepper seasoning salt.
• Spoon cream sauce over ea asparagus group, "dust" w/1 tbsp crushed croutons + sprinkle w/fresh chives or parsley.
• Bake in hot oven (400F) just till bubbling & serve immediately. (Can also microwave till heated through, but do not refrigerate as this will lengthen the cooking time & potentially cause the sauce to separate).
• NOTES: Sliced fresh mushrooms also work well as an addition -- For a 1-dish meal w/only a salad on the side, use this combo to stuff a well-pounded chicken breast & add mushrooms on top as a finishing touch.