Baked Asparagus

I have made asparagus in the oven for a long time and I can't believe that I have never posted the recipe because it one of our family favorites.  First, put aluminum foil inside a pan for easier clean up.  It really isn't necessary for the cooking process but this recipe tends to splash onto the side of the pans and makes for a hard clean up.  Then, we break off the bendy ends and fit them into the pan.  If I don't have too many, I put them in one direction like they are below.  When I have a lot, I put the tops in both directions in a little bit larger pan.

I coat with olive oil (making sure to get the tops covered).  Then, I shake on salt and grind pepper to taste.  I sprinkle with a lemon powder called True Lemon.  It comes in orange and lime which are both really good.  They often have free samples available on their website but none are available right now.

The original recipe called for lemon juice and lemon zest but I found that I like a lemon flavor and that amount of juice is too much liquid for the recipe so I just use the powder every time and it assures that I have it in the cupboard but you can replace with lemon juice and zest if you have them more available.

Then, top with grated Parmesan cheese.  The cheese melts and caramelizes while baking to add an even better flavor to the vegetable.

Bake in the oven at 400 degrees for 20-30 minutes until yummy and crispy.  I often cook at the temperature that other items are cooking at and adjust the time accordingly.  I would love to show you the finished product but it was on our plates and finished before I even realized that I didn't take a picture.  I had to take a picture of another time we were having some chicken and rice with baked asparagus.  It is such a family favorite that it goes with lots of our meals!

We often serve this with Olive Oil Pasta because it is super flavorful mixed with the pasta but it is a great side dish with almost any dinner.  I hope that you try it for yourself soon!!!

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