Summer Asparagus Food

SUMMER ASPARAGUS

Steps:

• In a small bowl, whisk balsamic and red wine vinegars, Dijon mustard, salt and pepper. Slowly whisk in oil in a thin stream. Stir in chervil and shallots. Cover and set aside until ready to use.
• Steam asparagus until tender, about 6 minutes.
• Arrange asparagus and tomatoes on a large platter. Sprinkle with feta cheese. Drizzle with half of the dressing. Serve the remaining dressing on the side.
• Note: This may be served warm, room temperature or chilled.

SUMMER ASPARAGUS, CORN AND TOMATO SALAD

Steps:

• Break or cut tough ends from asparagus and discard. Cook asparagus in boiling water 2 minutes and drain well and place in ice water to stop cooking. Cut diagonally into 1 1/2 in pieces. Cut avocado in cubes or slice.
• Cut corn kernels from cobs with a sharp knife into a large deep bowl; cut close enough to release milky white substance with kernels.
• Halve tomatoes; toss gently with corn, asparagus and basil. Add dressing mixture and toss to coat; season with salt and pepper to taste. Let stand a few minutes if time allows.
• Top with avocado and crumbled cheese right before serving.
• These ingredients need not be exact. Add or subract to your liking.

ASPARAGUS SUMMER SOUP

Steps:

• Cut asparagus stalks into 1-inch pieces; reserve tips in a bowl.
• Melt 2 tablespoons butter in a Dutch oven over medium heat. Add 1/3 cup chicken broth and leeks; cover and cook until leeks are tender, about 5 minutes. Add asparagus stalks; cover and cook for 3 minutes.
• Pour remaining 4 2/3 cups chicken broth into the Dutch oven. Bring to a boil; reduce heat and simmer until asparagus is very tender, 10 to 12 minutes. Add 2 packed cups spinach and sugar; cook until spinach is tender, about 5 minutes.
• Puree soup with an immersion blender until very smooth.
• Heat remaining 3 tablespoons butter in a small saucepan. Whisk in flour until well blended; cook for 1 minute.
• Whisk flour mixture into the pureed soup until smooth and blended. Season soup with salt and white pepper. Bring to a boil; reduce heat and stir in peas. Simmer until peas are barely tender, about 3 minutes. Stir in asparagus tips; simmer until tender, about 5 minutes.
• Pour heavy cream into the soup. Cook until heated through but not boiling, 3 to 4 minutes. Stir in remaining spinach; cook until heated through, about 3 minutes.