Grilled Aparagus

This asparagus was absolutely amazing! So, so yummy. There isn't really a recipe for this... So, I will just tell you what I did. First I cut off the bottom inch or so of the stems. Then I layed them out in a single layer and coated each of them with olive oil. I have an olive oil mister, which made this super easy to just lightly spray them. But since most people don't have those, you could just drizzle a little olive oil on them, then toss them around to coat them.You don't want to drench them, just lightly coat them. Then all that you need to do is season them however you want. I only used salt to season ours. Lay them in a single layer on a hot grill and cook them until they are crisp-tender. That's all there is to it. Easy and Yummy.

Asparagus and Mozzarella Stuffed Chicken Breasts

Have I mentioned how much I love asparagus? The other day I was searching on allrecipes.com for something new to do with asparagus and I came across this recipe. I was excited to try it. I changed a few things from the original recipe, mostly because some of the reviews of the recipe said it turned out a little dry. So I added a little bit of mayo to the outside of each roll, and they ended up super moist and very flavorful. My husband made some kind of statement about it being something like you would see in a pricey restaurant. I will definitely take that as a compliment! And I will definitely be making this again!

Asparagus and Mozzarella Stuffed Chicken Breasts

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
16 asparagus spears, bottom 1-2 inches cut off
about 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese
salt and pepper to taste
about 1/4 cup mayonnaise
bread crumbs (regular or panko. I used panko, but the original recipe calls for regular)
garlic salt

Place each chicken breast between two sheet of parchment paper, or in a large ziplock baggie. Pound the chicken with the smooth side of a meat mallet or rolling pin until it is all at an even thickness, and about 1/4 of an inch thick. Salt and pepper the chicken, then place 4 spears of asparagus and about 1/4 cup of mozzarella cheese down the center of each chicken breast. Roll up chicken around the asparagus tightly. Place each chicken breast, seam side down, on a baking sheet that has been sprayed with Pam (or equivalent). Spread a thin layer of mayo all over the top and sides of each piece of chicken. Then sprinkle garlic salt on each piece. Finish by sprinkling a good amount of bread crumbs on each piece. Place in the oven and bake at 375 degrees for about 25 minutes, or until chicken is completely done.

Chicken and Fresh Asparagus with Linguine

I got the idea for this dish from Better Homes and Gardens, but then just kinda did my own thing with it.  It turned out really good, and my whole family loved it.  My husband said that this was "definitely a keeper" and we decided that it was even "company good", (assuming said company likes asparagus).  I think it would actually be good though without the asparagus, or with a different vegetable, or a even variety of different veggies.  I am imagining it right now with zucchini... yum.

Chicken and Fresh Asparagus with Linguine

3 boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite sized pieces
1 pkg (16 oz) linguine
2 bunches asparagus, bottom 2 to 3 inches cut off and discarded, the rest cut into 2 inch pieces
2-3 Tbsp olive oil
1 Tbsp garlic salt
pepper
1 cup chicken broth
2-3 garlic cloves, minced

Cook linguine according to package directions.  In the meantime, saute the chicken in the olive oil in a large skillet.  Season the chicken with the 1 Tbsp of garlic salt and some pepper.  When chicken is cooked though, remove from pan to paper towels.  Add the chicken broth and minced garlic to the the oil that is left in the pan. Stir together and heat over medium/high heat. Add asparagus, cover and steam for a couple of minutes.  Remove lid and simmer for a couple more minutes, uncovered.  Add chicken to the asparagus, and stir together, until chicken is again heated through.  Fold in hot, drained noodles, making sure it is mixed together well. Serve with parmesan cheese, if desired. This recipe makes a lot. It will probably serve about 8.

Mock Hollandaise Sauce

I have recently mentioned how lucky I am to have 4 kids that all love broccoli.  Well, what is even luckier is that I have 4 kids that all love asparagus.  I'm not lying.  It's the truth. WE LOVE ASPARAGUS! And we are proud of it! The only thing that makes asparagus even better is making it totally unhealthy with this sauce! Ha Ha! I need to venture out with more recipes that have asparagus.This is really the only way we ever eat it... either steamed or grilled, with this sauce.  If anyone has an amazing recipe that has asparagus in it, please share! 

Mock Hollandaise Sauce

1/4 cup butter, softened
3/4 cup mayonnaise
1/4 tsp. salt
dash of pepper
1 Tbsp. lemon juice

Stir together butter, mayo, salt and pepper in a saucepan over med/low heat until mixture is smooth and hot.  Stir in lemon juice and serve.