Crispy California Asparagus Straws

This is a fast appetizer with great flavor. You can prepare them ahead of time and bake off just before serving. As an option you can add a slice of prosciutto when you roll the asparagus up in the dough.

• 36 fresh California asparagus spears
• 4 sheets of phyllo dough, thawed
• 4 oz. parmesan cheese, grated
• 1/4 cup butter, melted
• salt & pepper to sprinkle on top

Trim ends of Asparagus. Blanche Asparagus in boiling salted water until lightly tender to the bite, about 3 minutes. Place one sheet of phyllo on a cutting board. Set aside the remaining sheets, cover with a damp towel. Brush the phyllo sheet with melted butter. Cut the sheet into nine rectangles, two cuts down from the top, two cuts across. Place an Asparagus spear at the bottom of the short side of the rectangle with the tip sticking out from the dough by 2 inches. Sprinkle on a teaspoon of cheese. Roll up spear and seal with butter. Finish with remaining spears.

Place on cookie sheet lined with parchment paper. Sprinkle with remaining cheese, salt and pepper. Cover the exposed asparagus tips with foil. Bake until golden brown and crispy 10 to 12 minutes. Serve warm.

Courtesy: California Asparagus Commission