Crispy California Asparagus Straws

This is a fast appetizer with great flavor. You can prepare Crispy California Asparagus Straws ahead of time and bake just before serving. As an option you can add a slice of prosciutto when you roll the asparagus up in the dough.

Yield: 36 single asparagus straws

Ingredients

• 36 fresh California asparagus spears
• 4 sheets phyllo dough, thawed
• 4 ounces parmesan cheese, grated
• 1/4 cup butter, melted
• Salt and pepper to sprinkle on top

Instructions

1. Heat oven to 425 degrees F.
2. Trim ends of asparagus. Blanche ssparagus in boiling salted water until lightly tender to the bite, about 3 minutes.
3. Place one sheet of phyllo on a cutting board. Set aside the remaining sheets, cover with a damp towel.
4. Brush the phyllo sheet with melted butter. Cut the sheet into nine rectangles, two cuts down from the top, two cuts across. Place an asparagus spear at the bottom of the short side of the rectangle with the tip sticking out from the dough by 2 inches. Sprinkle on a teaspoon of cheese. Roll up spear and seal with butter. Finish with remaining spears.
5. Place on cookie sheet lined with parchment paper. Sprinkle with remaining cheese, salt and pepper. Cover the exposed asparagus tips with foil.
6. Bake until golden brown and crispy, 10 to 12 minutes.
7. Serve warm.

Attribution

Recipe and photo used with permission from: California Asparagus Commission