Asparagus

One of my favorite vegetables. I can remember the first time I ever had them..it wasn't until I was 19! It was in a vegetarian penne

Now, even though I do love them, I don't always want to justify spending $5 on them. So the several times a year they go on sale for $1.88 I will absolutely indulge in them!

Something to note, once you purchase asparagus, make sure to use it within 48 hours.

Asparagus is high in Vitamin K, as well as other minerals. It is an anti inflammatory and and anti oxidant. While supporting your digestive system, asparagus also boosts heart health and assists with blood sugar regulation.

And they taste great! (I know, I was surprised!)

How to prepare asparagus:

You should look for ones that are green, as above. Make sure there is no mold or funky spots. 

Wash them if desired, then cut about 1/3 off the back of the asparagus. It may sound wasteful, but you will appreciate the tenderness.

Next, you will add some Olive Oil into the pan with the asparagus.

Salt and Pepper to taste.

Sometimes, I enjoy putting garlic in here as well. Or any other spices you'd like to try!

Also, occasionally I'm lazy. No, really I just don't enjoy grinding peppercorns. "Marcie, you do know they make pre ground pepper, right?! You don't have to be living in the stone age!"

About that. I prefer to grind my own pepper. Powdered pepper is not acceptable. I do have a manual pepper grinder as well as a mortor and pestle to grind them. Recently though, I picked up this bad boy. Just a slight touch of a button and BOOM. Pepper. All the pepper you could want. There's even an adjustment for if you would like to attempt to make your pepper into powder. (no.)

Check it out for yourself here.

Finally, plate your asparagus by itself, wrapped in bacon if you so choose, or serve it up with your favorite pasta. (Ironically, this picture's pasta is an asparagus ravioli! Haha!)