Recipe--Grilled Asparagus

Spring time is asparagus time in Michigan. We don't have asparagus in our garden mostly because we are in the middle of asparagus growing farms. Just had the first fresh asparagus from a local farm this weekend. And I must say, it was deeelicious. Here's the recipe the farmer suggested we try--

Grilled Asparagus


Roll asparagus spears in olive oil. Place on the heated grill. Salt and pepper. Turn after 3 minutes. Depending on thickness of spears, keep turning and check until cooked to your preference.

Another recipe from the farmer is to toss raw asparagus in Italian dressing or lemon juice/olive oil dressing on a medium hot barbecue grill for about 15 minutes. Closing the lid takes less cooking time. Roll the spears around like hot dogs.

Look for my FREE Garden of Eatin' Recipe Collection in an e-book coming soon!

Recipe--Chicken and Asparagus Stir-Fry

Asparagus season is here. We live near the Asparagus Capitol of the World, Shelby, Michigan. In fact if you are "green spear-ited", love to eat asparagus, and want asparagus recipes, attend the National Asparagus Festival 2010 on June 11-13 in Shelby, MI. It's a hometown celebration of everything asparagus--food, parades, kids activities and more. Check out my lens on West Michigan for more information on the area.

Asparagus is not only tasty, but it is so good for you. Enjoy this variation of a stir fry I found on cooks.com. If you have not tried making a stir fry, click on this video  then scroll down for some instruction.

Chicken and Asparagus Stir Fry

1 lb. boneless chicken breasts, cut into bite sized pieces
1 egg white, slightly beaten

1 lb. fresh asparagus, cut into 1 inch pieces
3 T. soy sauce
1 T. cornstarch
1/4 c. water
2 tsp. Extra Virgin Olive Oil

1 T. minced garlic
1 T. minced fresh ginger ( I must admit I had to use dry ground ginger)
1/4 c. chicken broth
1/2 c. chopped green onion, onion, scallions
1/2 c. almonds or cashews

3 c. cooked brown rice

Combine chicken pieces with beaten egg white. Set aside.

Combine soy sauce, cornstarch, water, EVOO, and stir well. (If you let this mixture set too long, mix again as the cornstarch gets solid.)

Using a wok or large skillet, heat 1 T. vegetable oil. Add garlic and ginger and stir-fry 2 minutes. (If using ground ginger or garlic, skip this step and sprinkle on asparagus the last minute of stir frying.) Add asparagus and stir fry a couple of minutes or till crisp-tender. Remove asparagus and wipe pan.

Heat remaining tablespoon of vegetable oil. Add chicken and stir-fry until opaque. Add asparagus, red pepper, onions and nuts. Stir sauce and add to pan. Cook until mixture thickens (which is quick).

Serve over rice. Makes four delicious servings.

Click here then scroll down for another recipe for stir fry.

Asparagus Time

We live just about 30 minutes from the National Asparagus Capital, Shelby, Michigan. The National Asparagus Festival is held every year in mid-June. In this celebration of all things asparagus, you can bet there are a lot of tasty asparagus recipes, the crowning of the Asparagus Queen, and all the fun activities for the weekend.

It is not real easy to grow your own asparagus, but if you want to try, read the information provided in the link below, How to Plant Asparagus. It is very tempting to want to get a crop off the first year, but wait so you can enjoy a bountiful crop the next spring and the next and the next.

How to Plant Asparagus http://www.ehow.com/how_9880_grow-asparagus.html

The fern-like foliage is so pretty that it makes a great addition to fresh cut flower bouquets. The plant also adds a soft, beautiful touch to your landscaping. But, for me, the best use of asparagus is as a food that is tasty and nutritious. Below is a link to ways of preparing asparagus and lots of fun information from the Utah State University.

Fun Ideas for preparing asparagus and even a word game. http://extension.usu.edu/fsne/files/uploads/tips/May%20-asparagus_FSNE.pdf