3 Ways to Asparagus
3 Ways to Asparagus

Besides the nutritional benefits of asparagus, it is sleek looking vegetable that creates an impressive presentation on a dinner plate. The long green stalks turn a brilliant green when submerged in hot water for just a few moments and can wow guests and entice young ones to eat them!

Asparagus is a season vegetable loaded with nutrients and a multitude of health benefits. It's an excellent source of fiber, folate, vitamins A, C, E, and K as well as chromium, which regulates blood sugars.  It also contains anti-aging properties; it's among the top for its ability to neutralize cell-damaging free radicals.  Other benefits include, antioxidant, supports our brain to fight cognitive decline., a natural diuretic (for edema sufferers as well as those with high blood pressure or other heart-related diseases).  To be honest, there are more benefits. But how about we just agree, Asparagus is good. Now… let's go cook it!

 

 
Ingredients

PARMESAN ROASTED ASPARAGUS

1 lb. fresh Asparagus, washed and trimmed
1 cup Parmesan, shredded (almost like powder)
Grapeseed oil
Salt & Pepper
Lemon wedges for garnish
Preparation Instructions

PARMESAN ROASTED ASPARAGUS

STEP ONE:
Wash and trim asparagus, the blanch them for 2 minutes in simmering salted water. Remove and place in ice bath for 2 minutes. Remove from ice bath and lay on towel to dry off.

STEP TWO:
Prepare your baking sheet by covering with aluminum foil (for easy clean up) then drizzle with grape seed oil.

STEP THREE:
Cover a plate with parmesan, and one by one, roll each asparagus in the cheese. Put on baking sheet. Bake for 10-15 minutes in a preheated 350 degree oven.

Note: I used my toaster oven. It saves on energy.
 
Ingredients

CRUDITE - WITH GUACAMOLE AND HUMMUS

Asparagus, blanched
Green beans, blanched
Carrots, cut into sticks - with stems if available
Celery, cut into sticks - leave the stems on
Cucumber, cut into sticks
Peppers, of all colors cut into sticks
Preparation Instructions

CRUDITE - WITH GUACAMOLE AND HUMMUS

Around the base of the flower pot or bowl, or if you're serving on a platter, scatter cherry tomatoes and/or radishes around near the dipping sauces.

Dipping sauce ideas:
Homemade Ranch
Honey and Dijon mustard sauce
Guacamole (see link below for recipe)
Hummus (see link below for recipe)
Blue Cheese dressing
 
Ingredients

ASPARAGUS & FETA

1 lb. asparagus, rinsed and trimmed 4 oz. feta
1/2 red onion, slivered
Olive Oil
Salt & Pepper
Preparation Instructions

ASPARAGUS & FETA

STEP ONE:
Steam asparagus in 1/2" of simmering salted water for 3-5 minutes.

STEP TWO:
Remove and place in serving bowl. Coat with olive oil, add cheese and slivered onions. Toss together and serve.



Serving suggestions:
Baked Salmon & Sweet potatoes Baked Chicken with White Wine Reduction Sauce
Experience Hummus on Now Go Cook
Cucumber Hummus Finger Food

APPETIZER
Crudite with Hummus

APPETIZER
Original Hummus

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