Picnic Asparagus

Photo: flickr user jbcurio

Ingredients

1 pound slender asparagus spears, thicker stems trimmed with a 1 8-oz bottle vinaigrette *see note*

Preparation

This is so simple and delicious. We enjoy them on picnics.

Have ready a large bowl full of ice water. Place asparagus in boiling water for about 3-4 minutes, until they turn bright green. Remove with tongs and plunge into bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process. Drain very well in a colander. Place asparagus into a large zip-type plastic bag and pour vinaigrette over all. Lay the bag flat on a large plate so that all the spears are completely covered. Allow to marinate in the refrigerator for several hours, overnight being better, turning over once. Serve cold or at room temperature.

*Note: If you use a commercially bottled vinaigrette, add to it a clove of minced garlic and a teaspoon of Dijon mustard. Also, a couple of tablespoons of Parmesan cheese is very good in the marinade.

Or make your own; my favorite is a balsamic vinaigrette