Asparagus Sticks Recipe 435

ASPARAGUS PASTRY PUFFS

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 400°. In a large skillet, bring 1-1/2 in. of water to a boil. Add asparagus; cook, uncovered, 1-3 minutes or until crisp-tender. Remove asparagus and immediately drop into ice water. Drain and pat dry., In a small bowl, mix cream cheese, Parmesan cheese, mustard, lemon juice, salt and pepper until blended. Unfold puff pastry sheets; cut each sheet in half to make a total of four rectangles. Spread each rectangle with a fourth of the cream cheese mixture to within 1/4 in. of edges. Arrange asparagus over top, allowing tips to show at each end; roll up jelly-roll style. Using a serrated knife, cut each roll crosswise into four sections., Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet, seam side down. In a small bowl, whisk egg with water until blended; brush lightly over tops., Bake 25-30 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from pan to a wire rack; serve warm.

BREADED ASPARAGUS STICKS

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 400*. Lightly grease a baking sheet with olive oil.
• In a shallow bowl, beat the eggs with the mustard. Season with a generous pinch of salt and pepper. In a second shallow bowl, combine the parmesan and panko and mix well. Dip each asparagus spear first in eggs to coat, then in the crumb mixture. Place on the prepared baking sheet. Continue until all the asparagus is coated.
• Bake 12 to 15 minutes, until golden on the bottom. Turn the asparagus over and bake for another 12 to 15 minutes, until golden brown.
• Arrange on a platter with the lemon wedges. Serve hot or at room temperature.

SPICY FRIED ASPARAGUS STALKS

Steps:

• Cut the asparagus stems in half lengthwise.
• In a wok, heat the oil until very hot.
• Put in the stems and chilli flakes or chilli and fry for 30 seconds.
• Add the water and sugar and cook on a high heat for about 4 minutes or until the stems are nearly tender.
• This may take longer if your stems are especially thick.
• Add the soy sauce and cook a minute longer.
• Serve immediately.

FRIED ASPARAGUS STICKS

Steps:

• Heat 1-inch vegetable oil in a deep-sided skillet over medium heat.
• Whisk buttermilk, paprika, black pepper, and lemon zest together in a wide bowl.
• Pour flour into a separate wide bowl.
• Place a paper towel-lined plate near the stove top.
• Dip 1/3 of asparagus in buttermilk mixture.
• Transfer asparagus to flour and coat thoroughly.
• Repeat with a second layer of buttermilk mixture and flour.
• Fry coated asparagus in the hot oil until golden brown, 2 to 4 minutes. Transfer to the paper towel-lined plate.
• Repeat the battering and frying process until all the sticks are cooked. Serve immediately.