Basilmomma has great ideas for Asparagus

Spring has sprung and popping up out of the ground is Heather Tallman’s (aka Basilmomma) spring favorite: Asparagus. Forget the nights at the dinner table as a child loathing this vegetable, think outside of the freezer bag- and can! A simple sauté, a fresh salad OR wrapped in bacon is the way to go. Choose asparagus that has a tight top and is not flexible.

Right now you are going to find Asparagus everyone in a variety of colors.”

Most common in America is the Green Asparagus available in a ranges from pencil-thin to very thick.  But other varieties are our there.  Try the giant White, which is preferred in Europe.  These have been deprived of sunlight and generally have a milder, more delicate flavor. Or go bold with the Purple spears, more common to England and Italy.  These have very thick stalks.

RECIPE

Fresh Shaved Asparagus Salad

2 lbs trimmed fresh asparagus

3/4 C grated Parmesan cheese

juice of 1 lemon

1 tsp of lemon zest

1/4 tsp red pepper flakes

1/4 C extra virgin olive oil

kosher salt/fresh black pepper

Using a vegetable peeler shave the asparagus in thin ribbons from top to bottom.

In a serving bowl whisk together the remaining ingredients.

Toss with asparagus.

Serve.

Cheesy Bacon Asparagus Pastries

You can find this recipe is available on her website at http://basilmomma.com/2015/04/cheesy-bacon-asparagus-pastries.html/

For more information about Heather, check out her website at basilmomma.com