1252 Indian RD, Creston BC • 1-250-428-2734

• Oven-Roasted Asparagus

  Oven-Roasted Asparagus

  1 lb bunch asparagus spears

  3 tbsp olive oil

  1 1/2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

  1 clove garlic, minced (optional)

  1 tsp sea salt

  1/2 tsp ground black pepper

  1 tsp lemon juice (optional)

   

  Directions

   

  1. Preheat an oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C).

   

  2. Place the asparagus into a mixing bowl, and drizzle with the olive oil. Toss to coat the spears, then sprinkle with Parmesan cheese, garlic, salt, and pepper. Arrange the asparagus onto a baking sheet in a single layer.

   

  3. Bake in the preheated oven until just tender, 12 to 15 minutes depending on thickness. Sprinkle with lemon juice just before serving.

• Asparagus and Gouda Bread Pudding

  Asparagus and Gouda Bread Pudding

  1 tbsp butter

  1 lb bunch asparagus, cut in 1-inch (2.5 cm) pieces

  3 shallots, thinly sliced

  10 cups (2.4 L) cubed day-old bread

  2 cups shredded Canadian Gouda cheese

  1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

  10 eggs

  4 cups milk

  1 tbsp Dijon mustard

  1/4 tsp salt

  1/4 tsp pepper

   

  In skillet, melt butter over medium heat; cook asparagus and shallots, stirring occasionally, until asparagus is tender-crisp, about 6 minutes.

   

  In lightly greased 13- x 9-inch (3 L) baking dish, toss together asparagus mixture, bread, half of the cheese and the parsley.

   

  Whisk together eggs, milk, mustard, salt and pepper; pour over bread mixture, pressing to submerge. Sprinkle with remaining cheese. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 1 hour. (Make-ahead: Refrigerate for up to 24 hours.)

   

  Uncover and bake in 350ºF (180ºC) oven until puffed, golden and set enough that center does not jiggle when gently shaken, about 1 hour. Let cool for 10 minutes before cutting into squares.

• Pork Tenderloin With Roasted Asparagus & Citrus Sauce

  Pork Tenderloin With Roasted Asparagus

  & Warm Citrus Sauce

  1/4 cup natural almonds, chopped

  2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley

  2 tsp lemon juice

  400g pork tenderloin, trimmed if necessary

  1/4 tsp each salt and pepper

  1 tbsp olive oil

  2 bunches asparagus, trimmed

  1 tbsp grated fresh ginger

  2 cloves garlic, minced

  3/4 cup sodium-reduced chicken broth

  1/2 cup orange juice

  1 tsp Dijon mustard

  1/2 tsp grated orange zest

  3/4 cup basmati rice

   

  Stir together almonds, parsley and lemon juice; set aside.

   

  Sprinkle pork with half each of the salt and pepper. In nonstick skillet, heat half of the oil over medium-high heat; brown pork all over, about 6 minutes. Transfer pork and asparagus to foil-lined rimmed baking sheet. Sprinkle asparagus with remaining salt and pepper. Bake in 400 F (200 C) oven until just a hint of pink remains inside pork or instant-read thermometer inserted into thickest part reads 160 F (71 C), about 15 minutes. Transfer pork to cutting board; tent with foil. Let rest for 5 minutes before slicing.

   

  Add remaining oil to skillet; heat over medium heat. Cook ginger and garlic, stirring, for 2 minutes. Stir in broth and orange juice; bring to boil. Stirring often, reduce sauce to 1/2 cup, 5 to 7 minutes.

   

  Stir in mustard and orange zest. Cook rice according to package directions; serve with pork, asparagus and sauce. Sprinkle with almond mixture.

• Asparagus Lasagna

  Asparagus Lasagna

  • 4 lb (2 kg) asparagus

  • 1/3 cup(75 mL) butter

  • 1/2 cup (125 mL)  all-purpose flour

  • 5 cups (1.25 L)  milk

  • 8 oz (227 g) creamy goat cheese, (chevre) or I substitute 8 oz of cream cheese

  • 1 tsp(5 mL)  grated lemon rind

  • 1 tbsp (15 mL) lemon juice

  • 1-1/2 tsp (7 mL) salt

  • 1/2 tsp  (2 mL) pepper

  • 1/4 tsp (1 mL) nutmeg

  • 15, (about 12 oz/375 g)

  • 2 cups (500 mL) shredded mozzarella cheese

  • 1/3 cup (75 mL) freshly grated Parmesan cheese

   

  Trim asparagus. Cut stalks into 1-inch (2.5 cm) pieces. In large pot of boiling water, cook asparagus for 3 minutes. Drain and refresh under cold water. Drain again. Remove 1-1/2 cups (375 mL) asparagus tips. Set aside

  In saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook, whisking, for 1 minute. Gradually whisk in milk. Bring to boil.

  Reduce heat to medium-low. Cook, stirring, for 10 minutes or until thickened. Remove from heat. Stir in goat cheese, lemon rind and juice, salt, pepper and nutmeg until cheese has melted.

  Meanwhile, in large pot of boiling salted water, cook noodles for 6 to 8 minutes or until almost tender. Drain and cool in cold water. Remove and arrange in single layer on damp tea towel.

  Arrange 3 noodles in single layer in greased 13- x 9-inch (3 L) glass baking dish. Spread with 1 cup (250 mL) of the sauce, then one-quarter of the asparagus then one-quarter of the mozzarella. Repeat layers 3 more times. Top with final layer of noodles and sauce. Sprinkle Parmesan over top.

  Bake in 375°F (190°C) oven for 35 to 40 minutes or until light golden and bubbly. Sprinkle reserved asparagus tips over top.

  Bake for 5 minutes or until asparagus is heated through. Let stand for 10 minutes before serving.

   

• Canadian Parmesan Strudel With Asparagus & Mushroom

  Canadian Parmesan Strudel With

  Asparagus & Mushroom

  6 oz (175 g) mushrooms

  1 sweet red pepper

  Half onion, sliced

  2 tbsp (25 mL) extra-virgin olive oil

  1/2 tsp (2 mL) each salt and dried thyme

  1/4 tsp (1 mL) pepper

  1-1/2 lb (750 g) asparagus, cut into1-inch (2.5 cm) pieces

  2 cloves garlic, minced

  1/2 cup (125 mL) grated Canadian Parmesan cheese

  8 sheets phyllo pastry

  1/3 cup (75 mL) butter, melted

   

  Cut each mushroom into 4 slices. Halve, core and seed red pepper; cut in half crosswise and slice.

   

  In bowl, toss together mushrooms, red pepper, onion and half each of the oil, salt, thyme and pepper. Roast on large baking sheet in 425°F (220°C) oven for 10 minutes.

   

  Meanwhile, toss together asparagus, garlic and remaining oil, salt, thyme and pepper. Add to baking sheet and roast until vegetables are tender, about 15 minutes. Transfer to bowl; let cool. Stir in Parmesan cheese.

   

  Place 1 sheet of the phyllo on work surface with 1 long edge closest to you, covering remainder with damp cloth. Brush sheet lightly with some of the butter. Repeat layering with 3 more sheets, brushing each with butter. Spoon half of the asparagus mixture in 2-inch (5 cm) wide strip about 1 inch (2.5 cm) from closest edge and leaving 2-inch (5 cm) border at each end. Fold 1-inch (2.5 cm) border over filling; fold in ends and roll up from long edge. Place, seam side down, on parchment paper-lined baking sheet; brush with butter. Repeat to make second strudel.

   

  Bake in 400°F (200°C) oven until golden, about 25 minutes. Using serrated knife, slice each strudel diagonally into 6 pieces.

• Cream of Asparagus Soup

  Cream of Asparagus Soup

  • 1-1/2 lb (680 g) asparagus

  • 2 tbsp  (30 mL) butter

  • 1 chopped leek, (white part only)

  • 1 tbsp (15 ml)chopped fresh parsley

  • 1 tsp (5 mL) grated lemon rind

  • 2 tsp (10 mL) lemon juice

  • 1/4 tsp  (1 mL) pepper

  • 4 cups (1 L) vegetable broth or chicken broth

  • 1/3 cup  (75 mL) 10% cream

  • chopped fresh chives

   

  Snap off woody ends of asparagus; cut stalks into 1-1/2-inch (4 cm) lengths. Set aside.

   

  In large heavy saucepan, melt butter over medium heat; cook leek, stirring occasionally, until very soft, 10 minutes.

   

  Add asparagus, parsley, lemon rind, lemon juice and pepper. Pour in broth and bring to boil; reduce heat and simmer until asparagus is tender, about 5 minutes. Using tongs, remove 1 cup (250 mL) of the asparagus tips; chop coarsely and set aside.

   

  In batches in blender or food processor, puree soup; press through sieve over saucepan to remove any fiber. Pour in cream; heat until steaming. Serve garnished with reserved chopped asparagus and sprinkling of chives.

• Asparagus & Smoked Salmon Quiche

  Asparagus & Smoked Salmon Quiche

  • 4 oz (113 g) (113 g) asparagus

  • 1 tbsp (15 mL) (15 mL) vegetable oil

  • 3 oz (85 g) thinly sliced smoked salmon, chopped

  • 2 green onions, thinly sliced

  • 3 tbsp (45 mL) goat cheese

  • 3 eggs

  • 1/2 cup (125 mL) milk

  • 1 pinch salt

  • 1 pinch pepper

   

  Sour Cream Pastry:

  • 1-1/4 cups  (300 mL) all-purpose flour

  • 1/4 tsp  (1 mL) salt

  • 1/4 cup (60 mL) cold butter, cubed

  • 1/4 cup (60 mL) cold lard, cubed

  • 2 tbsp (30 mL) ice water

  • 2 tbsp  (30 mL) sour cream

   

  Sour Cream Pastry: In bowl, whisk flour with salt. Using pastry blender, cut in butter and lard until mixture resembles fine crumbs with a few larger pieces.

   

  In small bowl, whisk water with sour cream; drizzle over dry ingredients, stirring briskly with fork until ragged dough forms. Press into disc. Wrap in plastic wrap; refrigerate until chilled, about 30 minutes. (Make-ahead: Refrigerate for up to 3 days.)

   

  On lightly floured surface, roll out pastry to generous 1/8-inch (3 mm) thickness; fit into 9-inch (23 cm) round tart pan with removable bottom. Trim to leave 1-inch (2.5 cm) overhang; fold inside rim. Prick all over with fork. Refrigerate for 30 minutes.

   

  Line with foil; fill with pie weights or dried beans. Bake in bottom third of 400°F (200°C) oven for about 20 minutes or until light golden. Remove foil and weights; let cool on rack.

   

  Snap off woody ends of asparagus; trim stalks to 4 inches (10 cm). In large skillet, heat oil over medium heat; fry asparagus until tender-crisp, about 5 minutes.

   

  Sprinkle pastry shell with salmon and green onions; crumble goat cheese over top. Whisk together eggs, milk, salt and pepper; pour over salmon mixture. Lay asparagus like spokes of wheel on top, pressing lightly into egg mixture.

   

  Bake in center of 375°F (190°C) oven for 35 minutes or until knife inserted in center comes out clean. Let cool on rack for 5 minutes.

• Asparagus Pickles

  Asparagus Pickles

  We are always asked for our asparagus pickle recipe. Here’s our rendition, but if you have a favourite dill pickle recipe, then use your ingredients and follow my recommendations for processing your asparagus pickles in the oven instead of a hot water bath; processing in the oven makes it so easy.

   

  INTO A QUART JAR place:

  • 2 tbsp pickling spice

  • 1 bay leaf

  • 2 large, peeled cloves - or more if you like it garlicky

  • Fresh dill

   

  TRIM asparagus and save the ends for soup stock or a stir fry. Place the asparagus, tips down, and make sure the asparagus is tightly packed in the jar. I recommend at least one pound of asparagus per jar. I also put a 4” slice of carrot and a 4” slice of red pepper down the side of the jar just for appearance and some color.

   

  TOP each jar with:

  • more fresh dill

  • 1.5 tbsp pickling salt

  • 1 tbsp yellow (brown) sugar

   

  PREHEAT

  oven to 275 degrees F

   

  BRINE

  combine 9 cups of water along with 3 cups of pickling vinegar in a large pot. Bring to a boil and pour the hot brine over the asparagus, filling the jar. Wipe the rim of the jar with a clean cloth. Seal with a hot lid and secure the screw top lid. Place in the oven. Do not crowd the oven with too many jars. Process in the oven for 25 minutes. Remove from the oven and let cool.

• Asparagus Puff Pastry & Lemon Hollandaise

  Asparagus Puff Pastry & Lemon Hollandaise

  Ingredients

  • 1 egg

  • 2 sheets frozen puff pastry

  • 1 tsp water

  • 18 spears asparagus

  • 1 lemon

  • 1 cup Hollandaise sauce

   

  DIRECTIONS

  Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Spray an oven tray with nonstick baking spray. Brush one sheet of pastry with water and firmly press on the other sheet, crimping down to press them together.

   

  Cut into six equal size rectangles. Brush the top with egg yolk wash (whisked together with 1 teaspoon of water) and score lines with the back of a knife.

   

  Bake for 15 minutes until puffed and golden. Remove from the oven and split open to allow steam to escape.

   

  Boil trimmed asparagus until just tender. Roasted asparagus is another great option. DRAIN the asparagus and put it on the pastry base while the asparagus is hot. Whisk lemon rind and juice into the prepared hollandaise.

   

  Drizzle over the asparagus and place on the pastry top. Serve warm.

  Credits: www.eatwell.co.nz.com

• Asparagus Risotto

  Asparagus Risotto

  This recipe is from one of my favourite Canadian chefs, Trish Magwood. It’s tried and true and worth the effort. (Serves 3 or 4)

   

  INGREDIENTS

  • 5 to 6 cups (1.25 to 1.5 L) low-sodium chicken stock

  • 2 tbsp (30 mL) olive oil

  • 3 tbsp (50 mL) butter

  • 1 medium sweet onion, finely chopped (variation – seasonal wild leeks)

  • 1 cup or more (250 mL) chopped ASPARAGUS. You can also add chopped cremini mushrooms along with the asparagus. Make sure the mushrooms are finely chopped.

  • 1 1/2 cups (375 mL) Carnaroli, Vialone Nano or arborio rice

  • 1/2 cup (125 mL) white wine

  • 1 cup (250 mL) freshly grated Parmesan cheese

  • Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper

   

  HOW TO

  Heat stock in a saucepan and keep at a gentle simmer. In a large sauté pan, heat olive oil and 2 tbsp (30 mL) of the butter over medium heat; add onion and cook, stirring often, for 5 minutes. If using mushrooms, add them in at this point and briefly sauté.

   

  Stir in rice. Let rice fry a bit with the onions, stirring often. After a minute it will look slightly translucent. Add wine and keep stirring, letting liquid cook off.

   

  NOTE: I like to add the asparagus approximately 5-10 minutes before the risotto is finished because I like my asparagus bright green and crisp. If you like your asparagus more well done then add it earlier.

   

  Add 1/2 cup (125 mL) of hot stock. Turn down the heat to a brisk simmer so the rice doesn’t cook too quickly on the outside. Stir until almost all the stock is absorbed but the rice is not dry, then add another 1/2 cup (125 mL) of stock, stirring constantly. Carry on adding stock until rice is soft but still has a slight bite and there’s still a bit of liquid in the pan. This will take 17 to 20 minutes. Turn off the heat.

   

  Quickly stir in the remaining 1 tbsp (15 mL) butter and the Parmesan. Season well with salt and pepper. Stir gently. Serve immediately so the risotto retains its creamy texture.

• Asparagus Wrapped with Crispy Pancetta & Parmesan

  Asparagus Wrapped with Crispy Panncetta & Parm

  This is another Trish Magwood favourite from her cookbook, Dish Entertains.

   

  INGREDIENTS

  • 20 asparagus spears ( I prefer the thicker spears as they do not overcook while the pancetta cooks)

  • ½ - ⅓ cup, (125 to 150 ml) freshly grated Parmesan cheese

  • Freshly ground pepper, to taste

  • 10 slices of pancetta, about 5 oz/150 gr. cut in half. I PREFER USING 1 SLICE OF PANCETTA PER SPEAR.

   

  METHOD

  Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Trim ends of asparagus and cut into uniform lengths. Stir together

   

  Parmesan and pepper. Lay out each round of pancetta and top with a row of Parmesan mixture across the bottom third. Place an asparagus spear on top of the cheese and roll up pancetta so that the asparagus ends are poking out on each side. I like to secure the pancetta and asparagus with a toothpick.

   

  Place wrapped asparagus seam side down on a nonstick baking sheet or a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for about 10 minutes, until asparagus is just cooked and pancetta is crisp.

   

  I like to serve the asparagus and pancetta with a dipping sauce made with mayonnaise, very finely minced garlic, lemon juice and some freshly grated lemon rind.