Asparagus Extraordinaire

Asparagus is one of those vegetables that is unusual in appearance.
Kids typically see this for the first time and think “whoa what is this?”
Undoubtedly delicious when prepared well – not over cooked and lightly seasoned…

Nutritionally awesome – folate, K2, A, C. E, riboflavin, Iron, Zinc, fiber
Weight Loss – hmm, there was a fad about eating 1 tbsp of asparagus a day for – well, — memory, weight loss, antiinflammation, and therefore blood pressure and other issues of course in tandem with other sensible ideas…as long as you dont bake it!
Detoxes the kidneys – yes of oxalic acid and other wastes
Stinky urine – interesting is it a gene that produces the smelly asparagus urine or a gene that allows you to smell the asparagus in the urine?

Purchase thicker stalked Canadian Asparagus when possible. (my preferred choice)
Tips should be tightly closed.
Cut the bottom 1″ off to remove woodiness and some chefs will vegetable peeler remove some of the covering further along
from the bottom. Rinse.
Slice into 3 inch lengths or leave in full length.
Essentially blanch or boil for 2-3 minutes – they should not be limp and maintain a bit of crunch!
* Baking any vegetable caramelizes and yes maybe delicious however this increases calories!
Lots of great ideas, bacon crumbled on top, feta cheese crumbled on top, with mushrooms or not its endless…
Toss with olive oil, a wee bit of lemon juice, garlic, sea salt, pepper and optional Parmesan cheese.
Simple is easy.
Serve with ANYTHING and it adds DRAMA to every meal.
LKND