Springtimeasparagus Recipes

Steps:

• Whisk together the rice vinegar, red wine vinegar, soy sauce, sugar, and mustard. Drizzle in the peanut oil and sesame oil while whisking vigorously to emulsify. Set aside.
• Bring a pot of lightly-salted water to a boil. Add the asparagus to the water and cook 3 to 5 minutes until just tender, but still mostly firm. Remove and rinse under cold water to stop from cooking any further.
• Place the asparagus in a large bowl and drizzle the dressing over the asparagus. Toss until evenly coated. Sprinkle with sesame seeds to serve.

Steps:

• In a large saucepan, bring 1 cup water to a boil. Add asparagus; cook, covered, until crisp-tender, 3-5 minutes. Drain; place in a large bowl. Add tomatoes; cover and keep warm. , Place vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, sugar, onion, salt and paprika in a blender; cover and process until smooth. While processing, gradually add oil in a steady stream. Toss with asparagus mixture. Top with almonds and, if desired, cheese.

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Lightly flour the work surface and roll out the puff pastry to a 9- by 12-inch even rectangle. Transfer to the prepared baking sheet. Combine the mascarpone, 1 1/4 teaspoons of the salt, the flour, egg and lemon zest, and then fold in the chives and tarragon. Spread over the puff pastry, leaving a 3/4-inch border. Make small cuts around the border about 1 inch apart with the tip of a paring knife.
• Toss the asparagus with the olive oil in a bowl. Lay half of the asparagus in a neat row across the surface of the tart so the tips meet the edge. Do the same in the opposite direction with the remaining asparagus. Season with the remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt and some pepper. Bake until the border of the tart is deep golden and puffed and the top is lightly spotted golden brown, about 25 minutes. Let cool for 5 to 10 minutes and serve.
• Serve with lightly dressed greens.

Steps:

• Place the asparagus and 1/3 cup water in a microwave-safe bowl. Cook in the microwave on High 1 minute, or just until tender. Rinse under cold water, and blot dry with paper towels.
• Spread 1 side of 6 bread slices with 1/4 teaspoon butter and about 1 tablespoon mayonnaise each. Layer with asparagus, and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese. Place lettuce over the asparagus, season with pepper, and top with remaining 6 bread slices to form 6 sandwiches. Slice on a diagonal; this is a sandwich that exudes spring !

Steps:

• Mix mushrooms, dressing and lemon juice in a nonstick skillet, cook on medium heat for about 3 to 5 minutes or until mushrooms are tender, stirring frequently.
• Top with asparagus; cover.
• Reduce heat to medium-low; simmer 5 minutes or until asparagus are crisp-tender.
• Sprinkle with almonds.

Steps:

• Mix mushrooms, dressing and lemon juice in large nonstick skillet; cook on medium heat 3 to 5 minutes or just until mushrooms are tender, stirring frequently.
• Top with asparagus; cover. Reduce heat to medium-low; simmer 5 minutes or until asparagus is crisp-tender.
• Sprinkle with almonds.

Steps:

• In large saucepan, bring water to oil. Add aspargus; cover and cook for 3-5 minutes or until crisp-tender. (I steamed my asparagus in the microwave.) Drain.
• Add tomatoes; cover and keep warm.
• In a blender, combine vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, sugar, onion, salt and paprika; cover and process until smooth. While processing, gradually add oil in a steady stream.
• Pour over asparagus mixture and toss to coat.
• Transfer to serving bowl; sprinkle with almonds and blue cheese if desired. Serve warm.