FOODIE FRIDAY RECIPE - BALSAMIC ROASTED ASPARAGUS

This simple recipe is an all-time favorite of mine.  Great for company entertaining but I make it at least once a week for myself when asparagus is in season and reasonable.  They are caramelized and slightly chewy and are delicious hot, cold or at room temperature.  I always make enough to have leftovers to put in a salad during the week.

Ingredients:

1 bunch fresh thin asparagus

1 tablespoon olive oil

2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar

1/2 teaspoon salt

ground black pepper to taste

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon dried tarragon

Method:

Preheat oven to 400*.  Line a cookie sheet with aluminum foil and spray lightly with cooking spray.  Wash the asparagus under cold water with the rubber band intact.  Remove the rubber band and snap off the touch bottoms or cut about 1.5 inches.  Place the asparagus on the cookie sheet in a single layer.  

In a small bowl or measuring cup combine all the remaining ingredients and pour over the asparagus.  Cover with foil and bake on center rack for 20 to 25 minutes turning half-way through the cooking.    The stalks will be dark and tender.