Oven-roasted Asparagus

Spring brings a change in weather, wardrobe, and menus.  You'll find asparagus now at your local grocery and here's an easy and delicious way to prepare it.

• 1 bunch thin asparagus spears, trimmed
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 1/2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
• 1 clove garlic, minced (optional)

• 1 teaspoon sea sal
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional)
  
  
  
  
  • Cook's Note
  • To remove woody ends, grab stalk of asparagus at either end and bend until it snaps. It will naturally snap where it starts to get tough.

  • Directions

  • Preheat an oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C).
  • 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.
  • Bake in the preheated oven until just tender, 12 to 15 minutes depending on thickness. Sprinkle with lemon juice just before serving.
  •  Recipe from AllRecipes.com

Strawberry heart

The strawberry has a natural heart shape.  Use slices to decorate a cupcake or even in a salad to carry through on a Valentine theme.

Cheese lovers day

    

I enjoy cheese in or on almost everything. And by itself. Here's a favorite way to enjoy it alone as a snack or to accompany a salad.                  FRICOS

Grate a 8 oz.  block of Parmesan-Reggiano

Mix with 2  1/2 Tblsp. flour &               !/2 tsp. black pepper.  Drop by Tablespoons 4 inches apart on a silpat lined baking sheet. Flatten slightly.  Bake 10-12 minutes at   375 degrees.  Cool 2 minutes and remove.