Basic Asparagus

Directions

1. 1
   Snap the ends off the asparagus where they break naturally.
2. 2
   Using a vegetable peeler, remove the skin from the lower two-thirds of the stalk.
3. 3
   Bring an inch of salted water to a boil in a skillet.
4. 4
   Put the asparagus in a single layer in the skillet, cover and cook just until the asparagus turn bright green, about three minutes.
5. 5
   Alternatively, the asparagus can be steamed in a steamer.
6. 6
   Drain the asparagus, chill them under cold running water, drain, then dry on paper towels.