A new spring/summer twist to asparagus

I know it's been a while...I am waiting for another cooking show to be inspired...in the meantime I thought you might like this.

Baked Asparagus with Parmesan Cheese
Serves: 6
Ingredients
1 lb asparagus
1 Tbsp olive oil
2-1/2 Tbsp grated parmesan cheese
1-1/2 Tbsp bread crumbs
2 tsp margarine
MethodPreheat oven to 450 degrees F. Toss asparagus spears in 1-2 tsp olive oil and arrange in baking pan. Sprinkle with cheese and bread crumbs. Drizzle with remaining olive oil. Bake uncovered until asparagus is just tender, approximately 15 minutes.

Asparagus Pate

I made this for a dinner party the other night. If you like asparagus, I'd say it was quite good.

Ingredients
16 oz. cream cheese
2 cans asparagus or one bunch - boil for about 5 minutes...should be extra limp! Chop into 1 inch pieces when cool.
one bunch of scallions, chopped
3 tbsp. horseradish sauce (80/20...didn't have this, so I added Janes's Crazy Mixed Up Salt. Horseradish probably would have improved it.)
6 slices bacon (You could skip this if looking for a veggie dish.)
pinch salt
1. Cook bacon. Let cool and break up into tiny small pieces. (Save a few pieces for the top of the dip.)
2. Place all ingredients into food processor or blender. Mix well.
3. Refrigerate for 1 hour before serving.
4. Serve with vegetables, breads or crackers

The secret to really good asparagus

I found this recipe at Simply Recipes , one of my favorite food blogs.

I must admit this recipe turned out REALLY well. I think the 2 keys are cook time and good ingredients.

Ingredients

1 bunch of medium sized asparagus, about 1 lb
2 Tbsp of good extra virgin olive oil
2 Tbsp freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon lemon zest - freshly grated lemon rind
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 Prepare the asparagus by rinsing them thoroughly, break off any tough, white bottoms and discard. Cut into 1 to 2 inch sections, slicing the asparagus at a slight diagonal.
2 Fill a medium sized saucepan half way with water, bring to a boil. Add the asparagus and reduce heat slightly to a simmer. Parboil the asparagus for exactly 2 minutes. Drain the hot water. While the asparagus are still hot, toss them in a bowl with the olive oil, Parmesan, and lemon rind. Salt and pepper to taste. Serve warm or room temperature.