A+ Asparagus

Name: A+ Asparagus
Yield: makes 6 to 8 servings
Ingredients: Cooking spray; 2 pounds fresh asparagus; 7 tablespoons unsalted butter; 2 shallots, minced; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 1 (12-ounce) jar marinated artichoke hearts, drained and rinsed; 1 pound baby bella mushrooms, thickly sliced; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper; 1 cup Ritz cracker crumbs; 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 1 3/4 cups heavy cream; 1/4 teaspoon cayenne; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; 4 ounces Cheddar cheese, grated (1 cup)

December 9, 2011

Every Christmas, Crystal’s family (the Cook side) gets together for a holiday party at her Aunt Mary Ann’s. Since the family is so large, it’s the one time of year that everyone makes the effort to be there to visit with one another. Everyone brings a dish for the buffet, and we all eat like kings and queens. Crystal’s Aunt Sonja is known as one of the family’s best cooks. Always aiming to impress her guests, she relies on this side dish to do just that. And if you ever thought asparagus was boring, you’ll change your mind once you taste it all dolled up with shallots, artichokes, and baby portobella mushrooms. It’s a real showstopper.

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