Asparagus Starter Recipes

ASPARAGUS STARTER

Steps:

• Drain asparagus cuts and retain liquid.
• Make a white sauce with the butter, flour, seasoning and reserved asparagus juice.
• Add half the cheese into the sauce and melt.
• Cool slightly and add the cream.
• Place the drained asparagus cuts onto individual serving dishes (those scalloped shaped little serving dishes make an impressive show).
• Spoon over sauce and sprinkle with remainder of cheese and crushed potato crisps.
• Bake at 350F for approximately 10 minutes.
• NOTE: To enjoy the company of your guests, prepare ahead up to "baking" point.

ROASTED ASPARAGUS WITH HOLLANDAISE

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 450 degrees F.
• Trim the woody ends from the asparagus. Spread the spears in a single layer in a shallow roasting pan baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with salt, and roll to coat thoroughly. Roast the asparagus until lightly browned and tender, about 10 minutes, giving the pan a good shake about halfway through.
• Meanwhile, put the egg yolk, lemon juice, and cayenne in a blender. Pulse a couple times to combine.
• Put the butter in a small microwave proof bowl and heat in a microwave until just melted. With the blender running, gradually add the melted butter into the egg to make a smooth frothy sauce. If the sauce is really thick blend in a teaspoon of lukewarm water to loosen it up. Season with the salt and serve immediately or keep warm in a small heat-proof bowl set over hot (but not simmering) water until ready to serve.
• Spread the roasted asparagus on a serving platter. Grind a generous amount of pepper over the top.

ASPARAGUS WITH LEMON BUTTER CRUMBS

Steps:

• Wash the asparagus in cold water, then take each stalk in both hands and bend and snap off the woody end.
• Arrange the asparagus stalks in a steamer and steam over simmering water for 5-6 minutes, or until they feel tender when tested with a skewer, being careful not to overcook them.
• While the asparagus is cooking, heat 1 oz (25 g) of the butter in a frying pan, as soon as it is frothy, stir in the breadcrumbs, and garlic if using, and cook them, stirring constantly, until they're evenly browned and crispy.
• Then tip the crumbs on to a plate, stir in the lemon zest and season with salt and pepper.
• Now put the pan back on to the heat and add the remaining butter.
• As soon as it is frothy, add the cooked asparagus and toss to coat them in the butter.
• Sprinkle with the lemon juice and season with salt and pepper.
• Divide the asparagus between warmed serving plates and sprinkle with the crumbs, serve immediately.

ASPARAGUS GRUYERE TART

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 400 degrees. On a floured surface, roll the puff pastry into a 16-by-10-inch rectangle. Trim uneven edges. Place pastry on a baking sheet. With a sharp knife, lightly score pastry dough 1 inch in from the edges to mark a rectangle. Using a fork, pierce dough inside the markings at 1/2-inch intervals. Bake until golden, about 15 minutes.
• Remove pastry shell from oven, and sprinkle with Gruyere. Trim the bottoms of the asparagus spears to fit crosswise inside the tart shell; arrange in a single layer over Gruyere, alternating ends and tips. Brush with oil, and season with salt and pepper. Bake until spears are tender, 20 to 25 minutes.