Springtime Asparagus Salad

2 lb Asparagus, peeled *

1/2 c Olive oil

1/4 c White wine vinegar

1/2 ts Dijon mustard

1 lg Clove garlic, crushed

Salt and ground pepper 1 ts Worcestershire sauce

ds Tabasco sauce 1/2 c Chopped onion

1/2 c Chopped fresh parsley

1/2 c Parmesan cheese

3 tb Pine nuts,toasted(see below)

1. Steam the asparagus spears for 5 minutes. Drain well and place in a

serving dish. 2. In a bowl, whisk together the oil, vinegar, Dijon, garlic, salt,

pepper, Worcestershire, Tabasco, onion, parsley, and Parmesan. Stir in the pine nuts. 3. Pour the vinaigrette over the asparagus. Cover and let marinate in the

refrigerator 6 to 8 hours or overnight. Serve chilled with the marinade spooned over the spears. 6 portions

* I always peel asparagus, as the stalk can be quite tough, especially on mature asparagus. If you purchase the pencil thin asparagus, it is not necessary to peel them, as they are generally quite tender. HOW TO TOAST NUTS Spread nuts out on a cookie sheet and bake in a 350F degree oven for 5 to 10 minutes until golden. Different sizes and types of nuts toast at varying

times; the smaller the nut, the faster it browns, so you have to keep a watchful eye on the oven. Source: The Uncommon Gourmet by Ellen Helman (ISBN 0-89815-519-3)