This lemon butter asparagus appetizer is simple in presentation but delicious in flavour.  By combining simple flavours like lemon and butter, you can create healthy side dishes that will be a hit at dinner time and your kids won’t even know they are eating their greens!

Lemon Butter Asparagus Appetizer

Today I’m headed out to the farms to see what wonderful fresh, local produce they have for me today but before I go I wanted to share this delicious lemon butter asparagus appetizer.  We’re all gobbling up the fresh, local asparagus as it hits the farmers markets and I just can’t get enough.  Asparagus has such a great taste all on it’s own but sometimes it’s nice to add a little something. The zesty lemon butter sauce is a beautiful addition to the asparagus making it a fun side plate to add to any main course and a delicious way of getting those greens in for the whole family to eat! It is not a particularly high-calorie dish, but go easy on the lemon sauce as there is a good amount of butter!  You can always decrease the butter should you want something a little less “buttery” but a little bit to eat with the asparagus won’t hurt.

Asparagus Health Benefits

Asparagus is a very good source of fiber, folate, vitamins A, C, E and K, as well as chromium, a trace mineral that enhances the ability of insulin to transport glucose from the bloodstream into cells.  Asparagus also contains anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties and is really good for your digestive tract. Good reasons to try this recipe! Asparagus has high nutritional value because it has virtually no fat, and is very low in calories.  Did you know there are only roughly 20 calories per 5 spears?! Even though it’s low in calories, it is packed with vitamins and minerals making it one of my favorite fresh vegetables! This dish does take a little bit of time but you’ll be thrilled with the results.  This is a good chance to demonstrate the chemistry aspects of cooking to your kids.  The mixture of egg yolks and cold water over heat causes it to expand to 5 times its size – cool!  This is a super tasty dish and when you add the edible flowers it dresses it up for an elegant meal. Ok, I’m off to the farm for more goodies.  I wonder what I will cook this week….Have a great weekend, everyone. Cheers!

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Recipe courtesy of Simply Fresh Dinners,  A partner with Barrie Hill Farms in bringing fresh recipes to your table.

 

More Asparagus Recipes from Barrie Hill Farms

Garlic Crostini with Asparagus

Asparagus Soup Recipe with Spinach and Garlic

 

When is Asparagus Available at Barrie Hills Farm?