Spear Ecstasy Food

ASPARAGUS APPETIZER - SPEAR ECSTASY

Steps:

• To make Dipping Sauce: Mix well the sour cream, mayo, onion, lemon juice, capers, tarragon, onion powder, sugar and pepper together using a whisk.
• Refrigerate until chilled, about 2 hours.
• Steam asparagus until fork tender, 6 to 8 minutes.
• Mix Ice Bath together in large bowl. Plunge asparagus into ice water and let sit until cold.
• (I personally skipped the water bath and just let steamed asparagus drain in colander until cooled.) Transfer to paper towel to drain.
• Refrigerate.
• Serve chilled asparagus with dipping sauce.
• Note Do Ahead tips: The dipping sauce can be prepared up to 2 days in advance and regrigerated. The asparagus can be prepared 1 day in advance and refrigerated.

CRUNCH CRAZY ASPARAGUS SPEARS

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F.
• Prepare the asparagus by trimming off the tough woody stem.
• Set up a breading station by whipping the egg whites and mayonnaise together (the mayonnaise helps the whites stick to the asparagus). Sprinkle with some salt and pepper.
• In a separate, dish add the panko, Parmesan, Italian seasoning and paprika. Sprinkle with salt and pepper and mix. Dip each asparagus spear in the egg wash and then coat evenly in the seasoned panko breadcrumbs. Place the spears on a wire rack over a baking sheet and lightly drizzle with some olive oil (this will help them crisp up).
• Bake until golden and crispy, 15 to 17 minutes. Serve immediately.

FRIED ENDIVE SPEARS

Steps:

• Quarter 3 endives lengthwise; season with salt and pepper. Whisk 1 cup buttermilk with 2 tablespoons chopped parsley and 3/4 teaspoon hot sauce. Dip the endive spears in the buttermilk mixture, then dredge in flour. Fry in 1/2 inch hot vegetable oil, turning, until golden, 3 to 4 minutes. Drain on paper towels; season with salt. Serve with ranch dressing and lemon wedges.

ASIAN-STYLE CUCUMBER SPEARS

Steps:

• Trim the ends of the cucumbers and cut each one in half lengthwise. Place in a bowl, add the salt, and toss to coat. Let stand for 1 hour at room temperature. Transfer to a colander, rinse lightly under cold running water, drain, and place in a bowl.
• Prepare dressing: In a wok or heavy saucepan set over moderate heat, heat sesame oil until hot. Add the red pepper flakes and cook, stirring 15 seconds. Add ginger, garlic, vinegar, and honey and stir-fry 30 seconds. Off heat, add cucumber and toss to coat. Transfer to a bowl, let cool and chill for at least 3 hours or overnight. Cucumbers will keep for up to one week.

ASPARAGUS SPEARS WITH SESAME

Steps:

• Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. In a medium bowl, whisk together the sesame oil, white wine vinegar, soy sauce, and sugar. Set aside.
• Prepare an ice bath: Fill a large bowl halfway with ice cubes and add some cold water. Place a colander squarely inside the ice bath. The colander will keep you from having to pick the asparagus out from amongst the ice cubes in the ice bath.
• Add salt until the boiling water tastes like seawater. Add the asparagus to the boiling water and cook for 1 1/2 to 2 minutes - you want them to be crunchy. If the asparagus are thin, cook for only 1 minute. Remove the asparagus from the water with a strainer and transfer them to the colander inside the ice bath. Allow them to cool completely for a few minutes and then place them on a kitchen towel to drain any excess moisture.
• Toss the asparagus, sesame seeds, and the sauce together and refrigerate for 1 hour, or until ready to serve.

ECSTASY

Steps:

• Puree blue cheese, 1/3 cup oil, lemon juice and cream in a food processor until smooth. Transfer to a serving cup.
• Place garlic, parsley, 1/3 cup oil, sherry, hot sauce and lime juice in a bowl and stir. Pour some of the sauce into a skillet and set on medium heat.
• Place the shrimp in the skillet. Saute until the shrimp turn pink on both sides.
• Place the shrimp on top of the lettuce on a plate. Put the cup of blue cheese dip on the side.