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What makes asparagus so special? Years ago, it was available for a very short period of time,and it didn't ship well. That made asparagus a high-demand item, and the prices reflected it. But times have changed. Asparagus is relatively plentiful all year long, prices are fairly stable and demand is more or less consistent. You'd think that would take away some of the snob appeal of asparagus, but it doesn't! It's still just as sought-after, just as gourmet and just as high status as it ever was.
Select bright green asparagus with closed, compact, firm tips. Keep asparagus damp and chilled until cooking time. Before cooking, be sure to rinse it well. Since asparagus grows in sandy soil, there may be some grit to contend with!
Asparagus Pasta Salad Serves 4
Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups of asparagus, trimmed
Directions: Cook, rinse and drain the pasta as directed on the package.
Published 03/14/08
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Some vegetables have an image problem. They just don't seem very glamorous. Brussels sprouts. Turnips. Rutabaga. They're rarely tops on anyone's favorite vegetable list. But asparagus? It's the ritzy, fancy-schmancy vegetable. Asparagus has no problem with self-esteem: if a recipe features asparagus, it's automatically special!
