Just before we get mired in the world of turnips, Alexandra wanted to enter Real Epicurian's May "In the Bag" blogging challenge. Alphabetical eating is not always seasonal and we wanted to enjoy the English asparagus that is now in season. The ingredients in this month's challenge include asparagus and egg. I first learnt about asparagus' twists from Anna, a Swedish woman, with whom I sometimes work. As we waited for the kettle to boil, she told me about the recipe. Since then, Alex makes them regularly and has added her own twists. Can we recommend that you click on Chubby Checker down below as you learn how to twist!
Asparagus Twists
500g ready-made puff pastry
1 egg beaten
50g parmesan or parmeggiano cheese, finely grated
2 teaspoons of dried oregano
Salt and pepper to season
Bunch of asparagus spears - around 12 spears
Preheat the oven to 180C ( 350F). Sprinkle the parmesan and oregano over the pastry and gently roll into the pastry.Roll out the puff pastry into a rectangle to a depth of about 5mm. Cut into ribbons that are 1 cm wide and a little longer than the asparagus stems. Cut 2.5cm from the woody stalk of the asparagus. Depending on the thickness of the stems you may like to steam the asparagus for two or three minutes. Dry them. Carefully wrap the ribbons of pastry around the spears in a spiral taking care to press the ends of the ribbon against the spear to seal them. Place on a baking tray lined with baking parchment. Brush pastry with beaten egg seasoned with salt and pepper. Sprinkle any leftover parmesan and oregano on top and place in the oven to cook for 15-20 mins. The pastry should be puffed up but not burnt. Serve hot or cold.
Bravo!!! for Alexandra. She could serve those at a Hollywood Movie Opening and be the biggest hit.
ReplyDeleteOMG those look soooo good. I love asparagus and never thought to do this.
ReplyDeleteNothing to do with asparagus (the recipe sounds realy good; must try it), but I wish I had Alex' hair :)
ReplyDeleteSimone
I will be trying these asparagus twists as we have lots of asparagus. I have made asparagus soup which was very easy and delicious. http://www.farmingfriends.com/asparagus-soup/
ReplyDeleteLet me know if you try the soup or have another variation on the soup recipe.
Sara from farmingfriends
Hi There
ReplyDeleteI just stumbled upon your blog and think it is an excellent read for foodies and especially like the photos and design of the blog.I started off as a blogger myself and realise the importance of a good clean design like you have here. I have now bookmarked it for myself to read and have added you to our new list of "all the food blogs in the world" on www.ifoods.tv which we have been compiling for the last month! Hopefully it will send you some traffic in the long run. Looking forward to reading your thoughts on food so keep up the good work and talk soon. Cheers
Beautifully done. What a lovely and unique way to prepare asparagus. Must try!
ReplyDeleteWell done Alexandra!!! They look superb. And with asparagus being my fave vegetable, they must taste superb!
ReplyDeleteCheers
David x
Those look beautiful. I love it when simple things like that, that must taste great look so impressive. Ideal food to serve when having visitors.
ReplyDeleteThose look really delicious. I will have to definitely try them, veganized!
ReplyDeleteHave you tried smoothies with spinach for breakfast? It's a great way to get the kids to have some spinach. My grandchildren love them! I have a recipe
http://foodblog.jkvetter.com/2007/08/29/green-as-green-can-be/
Good job in helping your kids learn to love vegetables!
The asparagus twists look delicious - and so appropriate for asparagus. The twists emphasise all that is good about asparagus.
ReplyDeleteI have enjoyed being one of the million plus to listen to Chubby Checker!
TopVeg
These are amazing! I can't wait to try them!
ReplyDeleteFirst off, hi, new commenter, though I found your blog some time ago.
ReplyDeleteOoh, those look scrummy. I'm going to try those with the local organic asparagus this weekend! Maybe I can get my man to try it.
And, might I add that Alex is a gorgeous young lady. You should be proud, she looks much like you.
Marie - Thank you for leaving a comment. Do come back again and comment!
ReplyDeleteI wish I had Alex's red hair though...
Tina - Thank you - do try them out if you can.
Top Veg - I hadnt seen this clip for ages - its great fun isnt it?
Jackie V - I havent tried but I will try this out. Not sure about the green spinach smoothie - that is if Freddie will stomach it! Though he always surproises me these days.
Those look so good! I'll have to try them without cheese.
ReplyDeleteYour daughter is so beautiful.
nowheymama
ReplyDeleteThank you for your comments. Do try them - replace the cheese with some dried oregano maybe?
And thank you for what you say about my daughter.
Great recipe idea - simple but gorgeous. When I get home from travelling, this is on my must make list. Lots of blue eyed redheads in my family so I felt right at home reading this!
ReplyDeletegreat idea.
ReplyDeleteThis is such a wonderful idea! Asparagus are in season right now in Ontario, and I'm planning to make those very soon. Your blog's great - just discovered it.
ReplyDeleteLouise - Thanks for finding us. Thats the great thing about the in the bag challenges run by Scott.
ReplyDelete