1)
2) Asparagus Bundles Wrapped in Prosciutto
Ingredients:
1 to 1 1/2 pounds asparagus (about 40 spears)
1/4 pound sliced prosciutto (about 8 slices)
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 tablespoon olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
Freshly ground black pepper
1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1 lemon, cut into wedgies
Directions:
Bring a large skillet of water to boil over high heat. Meanwhile, trim ends from the asparagus and peel the lower half of the spears. Add the 'goose to the boiling water and cook, covered, for 2 minutes. Immediately drain and rinse under cold running water until the 'goose are cold. Drain again.
Pre-heat oven to 400 degrees.
Gather abour 4-5 asparagus spears of similar size and thickness, line them up, and then trim the ends so they are all the same length. Place a strip of prosciutto on a clean work surface (who'd use a dirty one?
), fold it lengthwise to make a long, thin strip. Arrange your spears in the middle of the prosciutto and roll the meat around the 'goose. Place the meaty little bundle in the bottom of a glass baking dish and repeat with process with remaining asparagus spears and meat.
In a small skillet, heat the butter and oil over medium heat. Add garlic and cook for 3 minutes, stirring frequently until the garlic is soft but not brown. Remove from heat and season with pepper to taste.
Sprinkle cheese over all those waiting asparagus bundles in their baking pan and then drizzle with the butter mixture (the dish can be made several hours in advance up to this point - cover and refrigerate until ready to bake).
Bake the asparagus for 13-15 minutes - the cheese should be melted and the 'goose should be tender but not soft. Serve hot with lemon wedgies on the side.
My family ... even the rather picky Grimace ... loves this dish!