Asparagus has a pleasantly sharp flavor that balances nicely with the richer taste and texture of goat cheese…throw in the lemon zest and sea salt for added zing.
To build your off-the-cuff kitchen repertoire, take cues from the flavor combinations in
The Creative Cook Menu .
Servings: Serves 4
Ingredients
- 1 thick slice crusty bread or 3 thick slices baguette cut into 1/2-inch cubes
- 1 pound asparagus spears , trimmed
- 4 tsp. extra-virgin olive oil
- Sea salt and freshly ground pepper
- 1 Tbsp. lemon juice
- 3 ounces fresh goat cheese , crumbled
- Zest of 1 lemon , removed in long, thin strips
Directions
Preheat oven to 425°. Arrange bread cubes in a single layer on a baking sheet. Toast, tossing halfway through, until golden and crisp, about 5 minutes. Remove, cool, and chop into coarse crumbs; set aside. Wipe sheet clean.
Arrange asparagus on sheet. Drizzle with 2 teaspoons olive oil, and season to taste with sea salt and pepper. Toss to coat. Roast, rolling asparagus over once or twice, until just tender, 12 to 14 minutes; transfer to a large platter.
Sprinkle lemon juice over asparagus, then scatter bread crumbs on top. Drizzle remaining olive oil; top with goat cheese and lemon zest. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Serve immediately.
Extra idea: These flavors would also work together harmoniously as a canapé—the goat cheese spread thin on crustless bread, the asparagus steamed and sliced thin, the lemon zest curled on top.
Printed from Oprah.com on June 19, 2013
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