Asparagus vs. Bacon

I liked this blog title because it sounded silly (and I like silly) but there is some meaning in there too...

As I mentioned - I love bacon - which is a supposedly "BAD" food (more on that another day)- but I also love asparagus and anything green and fresh. I actually think asparagus can be just as delicious or even more delicious than bacon - and that they can both have equally important spots in a healthy diet, especially mine.

Ok I can't resist a little recipe here... (I thought of about 20 but I'll keep it to my simplest favourite)

Take a bunch of asparagus, or a handful or however much you want - wash and trim the ends if and only if they are super tough and chewy (save the cuttings for stock - I have a bag in the freezer for all my bits and pieces ).

rub it with some good quality extra virgin olive oil (or opt for some toasted sesame oil)
put it on a baking sheet
sprinkle a healthy dose of sea salt on it
a few grinds of fresh black pepper
maybe some rosemary? or tamari for the sesame version.

put it in a 425F oven - for about 5 minutes - who knows - just test it and you'll know its done. It should be just tender but still juicy. I often use my good old 2nd hand store toaster oven on broil - since my mom taught me to always cook more than one thing when you heat up the oven.

The ends of the spears will get all crispy and hold all the little bursts of oily, salty goodness that contrast SO nicely to the mild, green (yes green IS a flavour, I swear), juicy stalks.

sigh. heaven.

Then I'd use these for various things, such as snacking right off the pan, or being more intentional and putting it on a plate as a side dish, or chopped onto a salad, or tossed with quinoa or brown rice and some fresh herbs, red onion, red cabbage with a little simple vinaigrette... ok I have to go to class or I'd be here all day.

Enjoy!