Quick Anchovy Mayonnaise For Asparagus Food

FRIED CALAMARI WITH SPICY ANCHOVY MAYONNAISE

Steps:

• In a food processor, combine the egg, anchovies, lemon juice, parsley, and cayenne. Blend until smooth. With the motor running, slowly add the oil to make a mayonnaise. Transfer the sauce to a bowl and refrigerate, covered tightly, for up to 2 days, until ready to serve.
• Cut the calamari into 1/4-inch rings. If the tentacles are large, halve or quarter them lengthwise. Refrigerate until ready to use.
• Pour the oil into a heavy-bottomed, straight-sided 3-quart saucepan, about 8 inches in diameter. To prevent the oil from bubbling over when frying the calamari, the pan should be no more than 1/3 full. Heat the oil to 360 degrees F on a deep fat thermometer. (to check the temperature without a thermometer , drop a small piece of bread the size of a crouton into the oil. It should float to the surface immediately and brown lightly in about 45 seconds.)
• Combine the flour and graham cracker crumbs in a bowl. Divide the calamari into 2 or 3 batches for easier frying. Toss each batch in the flour mixture to coat evenly. Shake the calamari in a mesh strainer to shed excess coating. Using tongs or a slotted spoon, gently lower each batch of calamari into the hot oil and fry until golden brown, about 2 minutes. Remove with slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Sprinkle with salt. The cooked calamari can be kept warm in a low oven while you continue. Check your oil temperature (360 degrees F) and repeat with the remaining calamari. Serve hot with the chilled anchovy mayonnaise.

QUICK ANCHOVY MAYONNAISE FOR ASPARAGUS

Steps:

• In a blender or food processor blend the egg, the lemon juice, the mustard, the anchovies, the salt, and the white pepper and with the motor running add the oil in a stream. Thin the mayonnaise with water if desired and serve it over asparagus.

ASPARAGUS WITH ANCHOVIES AND GARLIC

Steps:

• Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
• Add the garlic, red pepper flakes and anchovy paste (or anchovy fillet) stirring constantly until garlic is fragrant and anchovy melts.
• Add asparagus and water and cook stirring occasionally until the asparagus is tender-crisp, about 5 minutes.
• Serve immediately.