Grilled Asparagus

This is a Sunny Anderson recipe.  Easy and delicious.  It makes a nice side dish.

Ingredients:

·        2 lbs. of fresh asparagus

·        1 lemon, zested and juiced

·        ¼ C. balsamic vinegar

·        1 T. sugar

·        2 T. olive oil

·        1 t. kosher salt

·        ½ t. black pepper

Directions:

1.      Prepare asparagus by snapping each one until the tough end snaps off

2.      In a small simmering pot, place sugar, lemon zest, lemon juice, and vinegar over medium-low heat and allow to cook until it turns syrupy, about 10 minutes

3.      In a grilling pan, grill the asparagus, that has been tossed with the olive oil, about 10 minutes on medium-high heat, flip the asparagus and continue to grill until they start to brown

4.      Sprinkle with salt and pepper

5.      Drizzle the sauce over the asparagus and serve

Tips and Tricks:

·        You can steam the asparagus and serve with the same sauce.  It is good both ways.

·        Sam’s sells a 2 lb. bag of fresh asparagus that works great for this recipe.

Asparagus Dip

You can't get much easier.  Three ingredients and about 5 minutes of prep time.  This is a recipe from the back of the asparagus can, but my friend Karen is the one who tried it first.

Ingredients:

• 1 can of asparagus
• ½ C. mayonnaise
• ½ C. Parmesan cheese, grated

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees
2. Place all ingredients into a food processor and pulse until well blended
3. Pour into baking dish and bake for 20 minutes

 Tips and Tricks:

• I serve this dip with Wheat Thins.
• This dip can also be served cold.  It does not need to be baked.