Asparagusspearssimmeredincream Recipes

ROASTED ASPARAGUS SPEARS

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Spread out asparagus spears in a large shallow roasting pan. Drizzle with olive oil; sprinkle with salt and pepper. Shake roasting pan gently so asparagus is completely coated in oil.
• Roast in oven until spears are just tender. Cooking time will depend on thickness of asparagus, about 10 minutes for medium-thick asparagus. Pencil asparagus will take much less time; thick stalks will take more. Shake pan halfway through cooking time to keep spears from sticking. Just before serving, drizzle asparagus with olive oil and adjust seasoning.

ASPARAGUS SPEARS SIMMERED IN CREAM

Steps:

• Boil the asparagus spears until barely tender.
• Mince the shallots (or scallions), and the parsley.
• Leave the asparagus spears whole, or cut them into 3/4" lengths, depending on your menu.
• Choose a frying pan that will hold the asparagus easily.
• Cook the shallots or scallions in butter for 2 minutes without browning.
• Add the asparagus, salt and pepper lightly, and toss (or turn) in the butter and seasoning.
• Add the cream and simmer slowly, basting the asparagus frequently, until the cream has reduced and thickened-- about 8 to 10 minutes.
• Taste carefully for seasoning, adding drops of lemon juice if and as you think they are necessary.
• (If done in advance, simmer only a few minutes with the cream and finish just before serving).
• Fold the minced parsley into the sauce, baste the asparagus to enrobe it, and turn out onto a hot platter.
• Enjoy!