Miss Shirleys Asparagus Recipes

NEELY'S ASPARAGUS CASSEROLE

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
• Heat the oil in a saute pan over medium-high heat. Stir in the onions and garlic; saute until translucent and fragrant and season with salt and pepper. Add the asparagus and saute until just tender. Remove from heat and let cool.
• In a small bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream, dill and cheeses.
• In a separate bowl, add panko, paprika and butter. Mix well to combine.
• Place asparagus in casserole dish. Pour the egg mixture over the asparagus and top with the panko, spreading evenly.
• Place in the preheated oven and bake until casserole is set and the bread crumbs are golden brown, about 20 minutes.

POLENTA WITH ASPARAGUS, PEAS AND MINT

Steps:

• If cooking polenta on stovetop: In a medium pot over high heat, combine 4 1/2 cups water, polenta and 1 teaspoon salt. Bring to a simmer, stirring frequently, until thickened, 30 to 40 minutes, depending on how finely the polenta is ground (coarse-ground polenta takes longer).
• Alternatively, cook polenta in oven: Heat oven to 350 degrees. In a medium Dutch oven or other oven-safe pot over high heat, bring 4 1/2 cups water, polenta and 1 teaspoon salt to a boil. Reduce heat to medium, stirring constantly until the mixture starts to thicken slightly, 3 to 5 minutes. Cover pot and transfer to the oven. Bake for 20 minutes, then give the mixture a stir. If it looks dry, add another 1/2 cup water. Cover the pot once more, and continue to bake for another 20 to 30 minutes.
• When polenta is thick and creamy, stir in 2 to 4 of the tablespoons butter (depending on how buttery you like it) and the Parmesan. Taste and add more Parmesan and salt, if needed.
• As the polenta cooks, prepare the vegetables: In a large skillet, heat oil over medium. Add shallots and sauté until tender and golden, 4 to 6 minutes.
• Stir in garlic and cook for another minute or two, until fragrant and very lightly golden in spots. Add vermouth and cook until alcohol evaporates, about 2 to 3 minutes.
• Stir in asparagus and peas, and cook until vegetables are glossy, 2 to 3 minutes. Add stock, remaining 2 tablespoons butter and a large pinch of salt, and bring to a simmer. Cook until vegetables are tender and sauce thickens slightly, 2 to 8 minutes. (Thicker asparagus will take longer to soften.) Stir in the mint. Taste and add more salt, if needed.
• To serve, spoon polenta into bowls, top with vegetables and their sauce, and grind on lots of fresh pepper. Finish with shaved Parmesan.

EASY ROASTED RANCH ASPARAGUS

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 425 degrees.
• In a bowl, mix the olive oil and dressing mix together.
• Cut off the hard ends of the asparagus (1 inch to 2 inches) Add the asparagus to the bowl and mix well.
• Spread the asparagus onto a baking sheet and cook at 425 degrees for 10 minutes. Check the asparagus to see if it is cooked all the way through. If it is thick asparagus you will need to cook it longer.
• Serve and season with salt and pepper if desired.

MISS SHIRLEY'S EASTERN SHORE CRAB CAKES

Steps:

• In a medium-size bowl, thoroughly combine the eggs, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice crab seasoning, parsley, mayonnaise and mustards.
• Place the crabmeat in a large bowl gently fold in the breadcrumbs and the egg mixture so as not to break up the lumps. Shape into 12 slightly flattened balls and chill for at least 1 hour.
• To fry the crab cakes:
• Pour oil into the skillet to a depth of about 1 1/2 inches. Heat the oil to 370° and fry the crab cakes, a couple at a time, until golden brown, 4 to 5 minutes per side. Remove with a slotted spatula to paper towels to drain.
• To broil:
• Place crab cakes under a preheated broiler, turning to cook evenly, until nicely browned, 4 to 5 minutes per side.
• Serve with soda crackers and tartar sauce.

MISS SHIRLEY'S EASTERN SHORE CRAB CAKES

Steps:

• In a medium-size bowl combine the first 7 ingredients.
• Now gently fold in the breadcrumbs and the egg mixture being careful not to break lumps thenshape into 12 slightly flattened balls, chilling them for at least an hour.
• Fry by pouring oil into the skillet to a depth of about 1 1/2 inches. Heat the oil to 370° and fry the crab cakes, a couple at a time, until golden brown, 4 to 5 minutes per side. Remove with a slotted spatula to paper towels to drain.
• To broil:.
• Place crab cakes under a preheated broiler, turning to cook evenly, until nicely browned, 4 to 5 minutes per side.
• Serve with soda crackers and tartar sauce.

DIRTY SHIRLEY

Steps:

• Fill a highball glass with ice. Add the vodka and grenadine to the glass. Top with soda and garnish with a maraschino cherry.

MISS SHIRLEY'S ASPARAGUS

Steps:

• Preheat the broiler. Spread out the asparagus spears in a single layer on a rimmed baking sheet. Drizzle with oil and shake the pan to evenly coat the spears. Season with salt and pepper.
• Broil until the spears are just tender, 4 minutes for thin and up to 10 minutes for thick asparagus.
• Add the lemon zest and toss to coat. Taste and adjust for seasoning with salt and pepper.