My "Asparagus Hugged by Bacon" With "Cream -Zing" Dip

Asparagus Hugged by Bacon with Cream-Zing Dip

A couple of months ago we had our annual reunion with close family friends. Its a potluck party but as usual each one of us aside from purchased food fares, presented a personal dish or two. Steamed Stuffed Bangus, Fresh Salad Greens with French Dressing topped with Dill and Alfalfa, etc. were a few of my former presentations aside from my designated post every party: hors d'ouvres, cheese & fruit platter and coffee brews.

Let's cook:

In preparing the asparagus, you may not use a knife when trimming the stalks. A quick snap and you'll know that what remains is the fresh part. Briefly blanch the asparagus, wrap by threes (or it depends how thick the asparagus' are and your preference for bacon) in bacon strips then quickly pan fry in a non-stick pan with a bit of olive oil until the bacon is crisp.

Dip:

As for the dip, you may purchase one at the grocers' (sour cream, hollandaise, etc.) or prepare your own with a cup of chilled all purpose cream with a dollop of mustard or julienned garlic. Add some lemon juice, a dash of salt and white pepper or cayenne pepper for some zing.

Aside from the fact that its easy to do, its also one way to convince the kids to eat some veggies plus they can also help prepare it.

Creamy Noodle Pasta

I’ll start off with a quick and simple dish. If you ran out of your regular pasta and all that’s left is for chicken noodle soup don’t fret. Here’s a quick and yummy option for your pasta cravings or for an instant snack. (shown above is not the baked version)


WHAT YOU’LL NEED:

225 g/8oz. noodle pasta

1 tbsp. vegetable oil

175 g/6 oz. of sausages, sliced and/or

400g/14 oz. tuna in brine, drained and flaked

2 tbsp. cornflour (cornstarch)

425 ml/15 fl. oz./ 13/4 cups skimmed milk

*(If you want to bake it in the oven):

4 medium tomatoes, sliced thinly

25 g/1 oz. fresh breadcrumbs

25 g/1 oz. reduced-fat Cheddar cheese, grated

salt and pepper


LET’S COOK:

The Pasta:

Preheat the oven to 190C/375F/Gas Mark 5. Bring a large pan of water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the instructions on the packet. Drain well.

The Sauce:

Heat the oil in a frying pan (skillet) and fry all of the sausages, until a bit done. Place the cooked pasta in a bowl and mix in the sausages and/or tuna. Set aside. Blend the cornflour (cornstarch) with a little milk to make a paste. Pour the remaining milk into a saucepan and stir in the paste. Heat, stirring, until the sauce begins to thicken. Season well. Pour the sauce over the pasta mixture and stir until well-combined.

*If you want to bake it:

Transfer to the base of an ovenproof gratin dish and place on a baking sheet (cookie sheet). Arrange the tomato slices over the pasta and sprinkle with the breadcrumbs and cheese. Bake for 25-30 minutes.

*Serves four

Bon Appetit and Cheers! =]