Maybe you thought about cooking asparagus, but didn't try your hand at it because you thought it was way too difficult. Then again, maybe you’ve tried to cook it in the past and just couldn’t get it turn out right. Quite possibly it was overcooked (mushy), or undercooked (green tasting), turning your entire meal into a huge disappointment.

Now imagine serving delectable asparagus at your next dinner party, then having your guests continue to rave about it later, over and over again!

It is possible for you to quickly learn how to cook asparagus to perfection. Exactly the way you like it on a consistent basis. Once you see just how easy it is to cook asparagus, all of the intimidation will dissipate—Just follow these easy techniques for recreating fine restaurant-style asparagus each and every time.

Steamed

You will need:

• 1 pound Asparagus (trimmed)
• Sauce Pan
• Steaming Basket
• Water
  

Bring approximately one half of an inch of water to a boil over medium-high heat in sauce pan. Place one pound of asparagus in basket, cover and steam approximately 8 to 10 minutes or until tender, yet still crisp.

Boiled

You will need:

• 1 pound Asparagus (trimmed)
• Skillet
• Salt
  
• Water
  

Bring approximately one an inch of salted water to a boil in skillet. Place one pound of trimmed asparagus in skillet, then return the water to boiling. Cook uncovered on medium-high heat for approximately 5 to 10 minutes or until tender.

Blanched

You will need:

• 1 pound Asparagus (trimmed)
• Stock Pot
• Baking Tray
  
• Salt
• Water
• Ice
  

Add salted water to stock pot and bring to a boil. Add asparagus and cook until the color is bright green (approximately 2 to 4 minutes). Remove from heat and place asparagus in ice cold water, which stops the cooking process.

Grilled

You will need:

• 1 pound Asparagus (trimmed)
• Grill
• Baking Dish
• 2 Tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1 Tablespoon lemon pepper
  

Place trimmed asparagus in baking dish, then coat well with olive oil. Sprinkle lemon pepper over asparagus. Preheat grill on high. Place asparagus on grill and close lid. Let cook approximately 2 to 2½ minutes, then turn. Close lid and continue to cook another 2 to 2½ minutes.

Roasted

You will need:

• 1 pound Asparagus (trimmed)
• Cookie Sheet
• Olive Oil
• Salt & Pepper
  
• Balsamic Vinegar (if desired)
  

Spread asparagus on cookie sheet. Drizzle approximately 1 to 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Sprinkle salt and pepper and mix well. Preheat a 400° oven for approximately 20 minutes.  The asparagus should have a bright green appearance with brown caramelization in some areas.

It doesn't matter how you cook asparagus.  It can easily be served as is as a side dish to accompany fish, beef or pasta.  Really great topped with Hollandaise sauce or cut up and tossed in salads.

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