Roasted Asparagus W Blue Cheese Toasted Walnuts Recipes

PENNE WITH BLUE CHEESE, PESTO, WALNUTS, AND ASPARAGUS

Steps:

• Bring a large pot of water to a boil over high heat. Add salt and stir in the penne. Reduce to medium-high and cook penne, uncovered, until al dente, 6-7 minutes.
• Meanwhile, place walnuts on a rimmed baking sheet and bake in preheated 350-degree o ven until lightly toasted, 4-5 minutes.
• Place pesto and blue c heese in a large serving bowl and using a fork, mash the blue cheese into the pesto.
• Rinse asparagus spears and snap off and discard their tough ends. Break spears into 1 1/2-inch long pieces.
• During the last 3 minutes of the penne cooking time, add asparagus to pot and cook until bright green and crisp-tender. Drain penne and asparagus well in colander. Add to the bowl with the pesto and stir to coat them well. Top with toasted walnuts and serve at once.

BAKED ASPARAGUS WITH TOASTED WALNUTS

Steps:

• To cook asparagus: Preheat oven to 300°F.
• Break off woody stems of asparagus.
• If stalks are thick, peel with a vegetable peeler, pulling from stem end toward tip.
• (Pencil-thin spears do no need peeling.) Place in a greased or sprayed 9x13 inch glass baking dish.
• Sprinkle lightly with salt and pepper.
• Dot with margarine.
• Cover with foil and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until tender but still crisp.
• (Asparagus may be baked 1 day ahead and reheated in microwave.) To make topping: In a small bowl, whisk together oil, lemon juice, salt and pepper.
• (Topping may be refrigerated overnight. Bring to room temperature before using.)
• Before serving: Spoon topping over asparagus and sprinkle with walnuts.