Roasted Asparagus

It's in the name.  Simple, quick, healthy, with an extra bonus for those of us lucky enough to be born with a certain special autosomal recessive gene.

Oven-Roasted Asparagus

(serves 4)

:: 1 bunch asparagus, fibrous ends removed**

:: 2 tbsp olive oil

:: 2 tsp salt

:: pepper to taste

optional ingredients...

:: 2 cloves garlic, minced

:: juice of 1/2 lemon or shredded cheese (I used parmesan)

Pre-heat oven to 400 degrees.  Place the asparagus down on a baking sheet in a single layer.  Drizzle over with olive oil.  Sprinkle salt and pepper over the asparagus (and garlic, if using), roll asparagus around until coated with a thin layer of oil. 

Bake for 12-18 minutes; 12 minutes will yield a more firm, crunchy texture and 18 minutes will be much softer.

Sprinkle with cheese or lemon (if using) right before serving.

**to remove the tough woody ends of asparagus, bend the cut end of the spear towards the middle.  It will naturally snap at the spot where the spear becomes tender.