New Favorite Thing

Asparagus, I can't get enough of it.  I love the thick stalk asparagus opposed to the skinny minnie stalks.  Of course the asparagus has to be so fresh that you can eat it raw.  The asparagus I have had in the past few weeks have been good enough to eat raw - crisp and tender.

My friend Ginger introduced me to the ultimate grilled asparagus cooking method.  It's super simple and surpasses anything on the stove.  All you need is a big piece of aluminum foil, asparagus, salt and good oil.  From there, you can add anything your imagination suggests. Basically, its putting a layer of asparagus on the foil, drizzle with great olive oil, sprinkle with salt, wrap up and throw on the grill.  They don't take long to cook.  Depending on the size of the stalks, I'm guessing about 8 to 10 minutes.  It also depends whether the foil packets are place over hot coals or flame or indirect heat. You will be able to hear the asparagus sizzle in their packs.

Here's some of the variations I've tried...

• adding finely diced shallot
  
• adding my hot pepper oil
  
• adding a little chopped garlic or garlic powder
  
• adding freshly ground coriander seed
  
• adding freshly squeezed lemon and a little lemon zest.
  

I'm still experimenting because I'm still finding fresh asparagus.  The possibilities are endless.