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KEEPING ASPARAGUS FRESH

Wrap a double thickness of aluminum foil around the bottom of the bunch, pressing it tightly to make it leak-proof. Pour in approximately 1/2" of water and store in refrigerator.

NUTRITIONAL FACTS:

Serving Size: 5 spears (93g)
Amount per serving:

"TIPS" ABOUT ASPARAGUS

Asparagus is a major agricultural industry in Oceana County, the area averages over 10,000 acres harvested each year.  The average yield per acre is 1800 lbs.  Oceana County is ranked first in the State of Michigan for asparagus production, with Michigan ranking third in the nation.

Asparagus is one of the most nutritionally well-balanced vegetables in existence. It is a good source of vitamins A and C, as well as folic acid (folacin) and minerals potassium and phosphorus.  It is also an ideal vegetable for us in low-sodium diets.  the delicate, delicious flavor of this wonderful vegetable has only 20 calories per serving!

SIMPLE WAYS TO PREPARE
ASPARAGUS

        (DO NOT OVER COOK!)

BOILED: Cook fresh or frozen asparagus quickly in a small amount of water in a saucepan or steamer until tender-crisp. Approximately 10 minutes for fresh, 7 minutes for frozen.

STIR-FRY: Stir-fry asparagus pieces in a small amount of hot oil, stirring constantly until tender crisp (about 3 to 5 minutes)

MICROWAVE: Place fresh asparagus in a baking dish with tips to center. Add about 1/4 cup of water and cover. Microwave at 100% power: 6-9 minutes for spears, 5-7 minutes for pieces. Stir or rearrange halfway through cooking time.  

(Note from webmaster:  I cook my asparagus this way, then drain the water and cover the spears  with a couple of slices of cheese and Microwave on high for an additional minute to melt the cheese.)

Asparagus Lasagna

2nd Place, Non-Commercial, Main Dish, Created by Pamela King, Hart MI

1 Jar Pasta Sauce
1 lb ground Beef, cooked
1/2 Cup Onions
1 lb Asparagus, cut in 1-2" Pieces
1 Package Lasagna Noodles
1 cup Parmesan Cheese
2 cups Mozzerella Cheese
1 tsp. Garlic

Prepare Noodles as directed on package.  Place single layer of noodles in bottom of baking dish.  Mix sauce, onions, garlic in bowl.  Top noodles with sauce mixture, beef, asparagus, and cheeses.  Continue layers until all ingredients are used.  Bake for 45 minutes at 350 degrees F.  Let stand 10 minutes.

Cheesy Asparagus Soup

1st Place Non-Commercial Overall, Created by Steve Yoder, N Muskegon MI

1 tbsp butter or vegetable oil
1 1/2 lbs diced asparagus
1/2 cup chopped Vidalia onion
1/2 cup chopped sweet red pepper
2 tsp Garlic Powder
1 tsp Lemon Pepper
1 tsp Black Pepper
1/2 tsp Cilantro
2 lbs Lean Ground Beef
2 tsp Liquid Smoke or 2 tbsp Bacon Bits
2 tsp Soy Sauce
2 tsp Hot Sauce (Tabasco or Habenero or Louisiana Red Hot)
1 1/2 cups Milk
6 cups Cheddar Cheese Sauce
1/2 cup French Onion Dip

Step 1: Place Milk, Cheese and Onion Dip in large pot over medium heat and stir until well blended.  Bring to a boil, stirring often.  Once mixture has reached boiling point, turn down to low heat and set aside.

Step 2: In a large frying pan, saute butter, asparagus, onion, red pepper, garlic powder, lemon pepper, black pepper, and cilantro for 7 to 10 minutes.  Add to cheese mixture.

Step 3: Place ground beef, liquid smoke, soy sauce and hot sauce into the frying pan and cook until ground beef is browned.  Add to cheese mixture.

Step 4: Warm soup up and serve.