Asparagus, Egg, & Bacon Salad

Original Recipe HERE

I knew this was a guaranteed failure for my kids before I even made it, but I figured I'd like it.  And I did.  Good thing I doubled some of the elements (new amounts reflected below) because it fed me the next day, too.

I made it ahead of time for dinner and combined everything except the bacon...saved that until the end.  I also had some extra tomatoes hanging around, so those went in.  I'd consider goat cheese or feta just to try it, but it's perfectly fine without it.  I served it room temperature the first time and scarfed it cold from the fridge the second, so temperature didn't matter (or my standards are very low.  See: I eat 90% of my meals standing up right now).

Ingredients

2 hard boiled eggs, peeled & sliced

2.5 to 3 cups chopped asparagus

4 slices bacon, cooked & crumbled

2 Roma tomatoes, chopped & seeded

1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

2 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil

2 teaspoons red wine vinegar

1/8 teaspoon salt

1/8 teaspoon pepper

Directions

(1) Bring a pot of water to a boil.  Add asparagus; cook 2 to 3 minutes until tender yet firm.

(2) Drain asparagus.  Run under cold water.  Set aside.

(3) In a small bowl, whisk together Dijon, oil, vinegar, salt, and pepper.

(4) Toss the asparagus, egg, and tomato with dressing.  Top with bacon just before serving.

Kid Participation: None.

Asparagus with Mushrooms

Original Recipe Found in Taste of Home's 2006 Quick Cooking Annual Recipes

This recipe was a hit with both kids and both adults in the family.  We ate it as a side, but it could be modified into a main dish if diced chicken is added to the vegetables and it's all served over rice.

Ingredients

1 pound fresh aspargus

1 teaspoon ground ginger

2 Tablespoons olive oil

2-3 cups sliced fresh mushrooms [I used baby bella]

1/4 cup chopped onion

1 teaspoon salt

1/8 teaspoon sugar

1/8 teaspoon pepper

splash of balsamic vinegar [optional]

splash of soy sauce [optional]

Directions

(1) Trim ends off asparagus and cut into 2-inch pieces.

(2) In large skillet, heat olive oil.  Add asparagus and ginger; sautee 2-3 minutes or until crsip-tender.

(3) Add mushrooms, onion, salt, sugar, pepper, balsamic, and soy sauce.  Cook 2-3 minutes or until mushrooms are tender.

Notes: Perhaps a little less ginger next time...the taste was a bit strong.

Kid Participation: None.

Stir-Fried Sesame Asparagus

Original Recipe HERE

I really try to like asparagus.  I know it's good for me, and Husband is a big fan.  But no matter how I prepared it (steamed, broiled, grilled, roasted, etc.), I never hit upon a recipe that I enjoyed so much that my 30-year distaste of the vegetable could be reversed.  Until tonight.  This was so good.  *N* even asked for three servings - from a child who takes after her mother in the asparagus department, that's huge.  I was going to take a picture because it looked pretty, all bright green and sprinkled with sesame seeds.  However, Husband devoured the leftovers when he got home.  I guess that means this is a do-again.

Ingredients

2 tablespoons soy sauce

2 teaspoons sugar

2 tablespoons sesame oil

2-3 large garlic cloves, chopped

2 pounds asparagus [I used one pre-packaged bunch], ends trimmed, cut on diagonal into 2-inch-long pieces

4 teaspoons sesame seeds

Directions

1) Stir soy sauce and sugar in small bowl until sugar dissolves.

2) Heat oil in heavy large skillet. Add garlic and stir 15 seconds.

3) Add asparagus and stir-fry until crisp-tender, about 4 minutes.

4) Add soy mixture and toss until asparagus is coated, about 1 minute longer. Season with salt and pepper [I didn't use salt; I figured the soy had enough in it].

5) Transfer to bowl; sprinkle with sesame seeds and serve.

Notes: In my haste to make this dish, I accidentally put two TABLEspoons of sugar in - no wonder it didn't all dissolve.  I was going to say to cut the sugar in half next time, but apparently I should just follow the recipe instead.  Oops.  No other changes to be made, other than using more asparagus so we can all have as much as we want.

 

Kid Participation:

* Stir together soy sauce and sugar.

* Sprinkle sesame seeds.