I like to get the thicker stalks, and then peel them with a potato peeler.

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Then I break the last 1 to 2 inches off the bottom of the stalk.
Some folks hold the asparagus with both hands and snap, and the
bottom stringy end will break in the right place.

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These beautiful asparagus are ready to steam now.

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Put the Asparagus in a Steamer or blanch in a small amount of water in a large frying pan where they will lay flat. Some folks will tie the asparagus up in a bundle. This way you can lift it out at the same time easy. I just feel that the ones in the center are not going to cook the same as the ones on the outside, so I do it this way or pan steam it with a lid. The reason for cooking asparagus standing up is so the tender tips won't get soggy by the time the thickest part of the stalk is tender.

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Steam for about 15 minutes. till tender but still holds it's shape. When using the frying pan method cook for 5 minutes and check for doneness by taking one out and tasting one.

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Blend the ingredients of the sauce. A food processor works well but don't blend it so long that it turns bright green.

I served this with some sauted shrimp and boiled white potatoes.

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Pan Roasted Asparagus with Garlic and Olive Oil

This is an option to pan roast it in a little olive oil, turning them constantly and finish it with some chopped garlic.

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Asparagus with Brown Butter and Lemon

Another option is to brown a a stick of butter, 1/2 cup and cook till it just starts to brown, then squeeze the juice of a lemon.in it. If lt looks as if there is lots of seeds, then squeeze it through a sieve. Here I have cut the asparagus in 3 inch pieces.

 

Grilled Asparagus on the BBQ

To Grill Asparagus, simply toss the spears in a large bowl with a little olive oil , salt and pepper and Grill for 10 minutes on medium heat. keep an eye on them and roll them with the tip of your grill tongs to brown evenly. Some charred spots are fine they add a great flavor.

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Bacon Wrapped Asparagus

Another classy appetizer is to wrap a slice of bacon around a raw asparagus. Cut bacon strips in half cross wise. Par cook a few minutes in a skillet. Wrap around the asparagus and Bake on a sheet pan on 400 degrees F for 20 min. until bacon is done.