To prepare asparagus for cooking, bend each spear close to the cut end, and the end will naturally snap off.  Cook extra to use cold in your lunch the next day!

Steamed Asparagus

Time to prepare: 10 minutes

• Asparagus
• Lemon (optional)
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil (Optional)
• Salt and Pepper (Optional)
  

Snap end off each asparagus spear. Place stalks in a steamer and steam briefly,
about 3-5 minutes, until bright green and crisp-tender.

Serving Suggestions

If desired, squeeze lemon juice on top. Drizzle with high quality extra
virgin olive oil and season with salt and pepper.

Roasted Asparagus

Time to prepare: 15 minutes

• Asparagus
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil
• Salt and freshly ground Pepper
  

Preheat the oven to 375º F. Snap end off each asparagus spear.
Place on a heavy baking sheet (cover with foil for easier clean-up). Drizzle
with olive oil, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and use you hands to toss and
coat evenly. Roast until just tender, about 10 minutes (watch to make sure
you don’t burn it!).

Serving Suggestion

Serve as a first dish, side dish, or top with poached eggs as a main dish.

Variation

This can also be done in a toaster oven.