fitfool

Many years ago, in the early part of dating, I was visiting Michael's apartment for dinner. "Guess what I've got in the oven?" he asked, all smiles, as I came through the door. "Roasted asparagus!" he announced, beaming, without waiting for an answer.

I thoughtlessly answered, "Oh. I don't think I like asparagus." His face fell and I regretted not keeping my mouth shut since he had been clearly pleased and excited. I hastily added, "But I could be wrong. I haven't eaten it very often."

Boy was I ever wrong. This was the first recipe he ever taught me and it remains one of my favorites. Prep is speedy and so easy you can tell the kids to do this dish.

Roasted Asparagus

INGREDIENTS:
1 bunch asparagus
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/8 teaspoon black pepper
Mix of herbs (thyme, basil, oregano) (easy on the thyme)
Cooking spray

INSTRUCTIONS:
Preheat oven to 450 degrees F.
Snap off and discard tough ends of asparagus.
Pour a little olive oil into baking pan (with high sides).
Put asparagus in pan and toss to coat with oil.
Add herbs, salt, and pepper and toss again to coat.
Bake until done. (not a lot of time...maybe 5-10 minutes.)

The asparagus should be a bright, pleasing green and it should be easily pierced with a fork. Don't roast it too long though...it'll end up looking all shriveled and sad.