Louisiana Asparagus Almondine
                                                     Serves 6

 

 1 1/2 pounds asparagus spears
 1 tablespoon butter or margarine
 2 tablespoons lemon juice
 1/4 cup sliced almonds, toasted
 1/2 teaspoon salt
 dash of pepper, optional

 

Melt butter in large skillet.Add asparagus stems and saute', stirring gently, for axp. 6-7 minutes. Gently stir in lemon juice and salt. Cover skillet and simmer 15-20 minutes (or until fresh asparagus is tender. See note below for canned asparagus). Uncover, remove from heat, add almonds, toss and serve.

 

NOTE: Fresh asparagus is best, but you can use 2 - (16 ounce) cans, well-drained. If canned asparagus is used, then cut saute' time down to 3 minutes, do not cover and cut down simmer time to 10 minutes.