Tasty Tuesday - Asparagus in Brown Butter Sauce

I never liked asparagus as a kid. But now that I am older and wiser, I have realized what a delicious and amazing thing this weedy looking vegetable truly is.

I never bought it to fix at home because 1) I didn't know what to buy, and 2) I didn't know how to fix it. Also, Justin swore he didn't like asparagus.

But, on Easter my Mom made this recipe and he gobbled it up. Since then, I've fixed it and served it to other "Idon'tlikeasparagus" people and they too have been impressed - eating seconds even!

This is my Mom's recipe, but it's so easy that it's hardly a recipe at all. Trick is to buy good asparagus, when it's in season (April to June), or grow your own. The tips should be tight and dry, and the asparagus shouldn't have any odor. Also, pick uniform in size so that it will cook evenly. To clean and prepare, snap off the woody ends, wash and dry.

Asparagus in Brown Butter Sauce

3T butter
1/2 lemon
small bunch of asparagus (12-15 stalks)
salt to taste

In a small skillet, brown butter over medium heat. Be sure to watch the butter so it doesn't burn, but it should turn brown in color.

At the same time, cook asparagus in the microwave for about 3 minutes in a small amount of water. (I put it on a plate, added enough water to fill the plate, and covered it tightly with plastic wrap.) Don't overcook the asparagus, it should be crispy-tender.

When butter is browned, remove from heat (this is important!), and squeeze the lemon juice into the pan. Add asparagus to the skillet (don't add the water you cooked it in), quickly toss in the sauce, lightly salt and serve!