Nancy Walker's

Veg4Health

Asparagus  - a Harbinger of Spring!

Spring time is a wonderful time of year to take the family outside and kick-off the start of family picnic season.  Nothing beats some fun-filled activities in the clean, brisk spring air.  And nothing works up as great of an appetite as enjoying the great outdoors after a long winter of being cooped up inside.  So break out those picnic baskets, Frisbees, kickballs and baseball equipment and head to a local park and celebrate the season. This delicious asparagus salad is hearty enough to quell the largest appetites, easy enough for the most harried cook and sturdy enough to enjoy the transport to the picnic.  In North America, fresh asparagus season begins in March or early April and ends around late June or when the hot summer weather begins. An average serving of asparagus supplies 60% of the USRDA for Folacin, is  a rich source of antioxidants - Vitamin C and Vitamin A, and has the highest amount, of any vegetable tested, of the phytochemical - Glutathione, a potent anticarcinogen and antioxidant. Asparagus is also high in potassium, thiamin and fiber. It contains no fat or cholesterol and it's low in sodium and low in calories, with only 25 calories in 6 spears.

Asparagus Salad 

Ingredients:

• 1 lb asparagus, steamed lightly
• 4 ounces sliced mushrooms, sliced thin
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar , or more to taste
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 clove garlic, crushed
• 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1/8 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
• 1/2 cup basil
• 2 tablespoons parmesan cheese
• salt , to taste

 

Directions:

1. Whisk the lemon juice, vinegar, Dijon mustard, and garlic together.
2. Gradually add the olive oil and then the black pepper.
3. Gently toss the asparagus with half of the dressing to coat it well.
4. Toss the remaining dressing with the basil and the mushrooms, and sprinkle the mixture over the asparagus.
5. Season to taste with salt, garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese, and serve.
    

Something New

Here's something new that we've been playing with (and having lots of fun with) that you're sure to enjoy. Have you ever tried to follow a recipe and wondered if you're getting it right? Well, we decided to put together some "Picture Recipes" - a step-by-step progression of exactly what the recipe is supposed to look like! We've got Step-by-Step Seitan and Step-by-Step Gravy with lots more coming. Hope you enjoy!

I now have available My First Cookbook, in hard copy or as an Ebook. It will be available at my cooking demonstrations or order online here.

Also available is my new ebook: How to Eat Healthy Without Spending More Time in Your Kitchen or Money in Your Budget. Click here.

Please feel free to drop me an email

at Nancy@veg4health.com