Seared Scallops and Tenderloin Steaks in Manhattan Sauce

Recipe & picture courtesy of Rachael Ray

Makes 2 servings

• 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil (EVOO), 1 turn of the pan, plus more for drizzling
• Four 1-inch-thick beef tenderloin steaks (about 4 to 6 ounces each)
• Salt and freshly ground pepper
• 8 large diver sea scallops, trimmed
• 1 large shallot, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup sweet vermouth
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 pound asparagus, trimmed
• Juice of 1/2 lemon
• 2 tablespoons chopped or snipped chives

1. Drizzle some EVOO over the steaks and season with salt and pepper. Get a large nonstick skillet screaming hot and add the meat. Cook the meat over high heat for 3 minutes on each side for medium rare, 4 for medium to medium-well. Remove the meat from the skillet and pull the pan off the heat to cool.
2. Drizzle some EVOO over the scallops and season them with salt and pepper. Get another large skillet screaming hot and cook the scallops over high heat for 2 to 3 minutes on each side, until caramelized.
3. Bring 2 inches of water to a boil in a medium skillet.
4. Return the meat pan to medium heat and add the EVOO, 1 turn of the pan. Add the shallot and garlic and cook for 2 minutes. Add the vermouth and reduce by half, about 30 seconds. Add the butter to the pan to finish the Manhattan sauce.
5. Add the asparagus to the boiling water and cook for 2 to 3 minutes. Remove the asparagus and dress with the lemon juice and a drizzle of EVOO; season with salt and pepper.
6. Place 2 steaks on each plate and drizzle with the Manhattan sauce. Place 2 scallops on top of each of the steaks and garnish with the chives. Serve the asparagus alongside.

**Personal Review: This came out amazing and I was really surprised by how easy this recipe really is. The end result is mouth watering, the steaks were so tender. I loved the idea of lemon juice on the asparagus, I usually just add butter. Jason was thrilled with this dinner as well, it will continue to be a “special occasion” dinner.**

Lemon Cream Chicken with Champagne Risotto and Asparagus

Recipe & picture courtesy of Rachael Ray

TWO SERVINGS

• 3 cups chicken broth
• 5 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil (EVOO)
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, chopped
• 1 cup arborio rice
• Salt and pepper
• 1 split champagne or sparkling wine
• 3/4 cup heavy cream
• One 3-inch piece peel and juice of 1 lemon
• 1 pinch cayenne pepper
• 2 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
• 1/8 pound sliced pancetta, chopped
• 1 small bunch asparagus, cut on an angle into 1-inch pieces
• 1 large shallot, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup grated parmigiano-reggiano cheese
• 3 to 4 sprigs thyme, leaves stripped and chopped

1. In a medium saucepan, heat the chicken broth over low heat. In a medium skillet, heat 2 tablespoons EVOO, 2 turns of the pan, over medium-high heat. Add the onion and garlic to the skillet and cook until softened, 3 to 4 minutes. Add the rice and toss to coat; season with salt and pepper. Stir in the champagne and boil to evaporate slightly, about 2 minutes.
2. Stir a couple of ladlefuls of warm chicken broth into the rice and cook, stirring occasionally, until the liquid evaporates. Add more broth, a few ladlefuls at a time, reserving 1/2 cup. Cook until creamy, stirring occasionally, about 18 minutes.
3. While the risotto cooks, in a small saucepan, cook the cream, lemon peel and cayenne over medium-low heat until slightly reduced, about 15 minutes.
4. Meanwhile, season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. In a nonstick skillet, heat 2 tablespoons EVOO , 2 turns of the pan, over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for about 6 minutes on each side. Transfer to a cutting board (reserving the skillet); add the reserved 1/2 cup chicken broth to the pan juices in the skillet and stir. Stir this liquid into the risotto as it cooks.
5. In the nonstick skillet, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon EVOO , 1 turn of the pan, over mediumhigh heat. Add the pancetta and cook for about 3 minutes. Add the asparagus and shallot and cook, stirring, for 3 more minutes.
6. To serve, stir the cheese and thyme into the risotto and spoon generous portions onto plates. Slice the chicken breasts on an angle and fan out over the risotto. Discard the lemon peel from the reduced cream; spoon over the chicken. Pour the lemon juice over the asparagus and toss; spoon around the risotto.

**Personal Review: No Review Yet**

Easy Creamy Baked Asparagus

Recipe & picture courtesy of Kraft Foods

Prep Time: 10 min
Total Time: 25 min
Makes: 4 servings

1 lb. fresh asparagus spears, trimmed
1/4 cup KRAFT Peppercorn Ranch Dressing
2 Tbsp. KRAFT Shredded Parmesan Cheese
1/2 cup coarsely crushed RITZ Cheese Crackers (about 12 crackers)

Preheat oven to 350°F. Cook asparagus in simmering water in large skillet 2 to 3 min. or until bright green, but still crisp; drain.

Toss asparagus with dressing in 1-1/2- to 2-qt. baking dish. Sprinkle with cheese and cracker crumbs.

Bake 10 to 15 min. or cheese is lightly browned and mixture is heated through.

**Personal Review: No Review Yet**

Baked Triple-Veggie Dip

Recipe & picture courtesy of Kraft Foods

Prep Time: 15 min
Total Time: 50 min
Makes: 4-1/2 cups or 36 servings, 2 Tbsp. each

• 1-1/2 cups KRAFT Grated Parmesan Cheese, divided
• 1 can (1 lb. 3 oz.) asparagus spears, drained, chopped
• 1 pkg. (10 oz.) frozen chopped spinach, thawed, drained
• 1 can (8-1/2 oz.) artichoke hearts, drained, chopped
• 1 container (8 oz.) PHILADELPHIA Chive & Onion Cream Cheese Spread
• 1/2 cup KRAFT Real Mayo Mayonnaise

1. Heat oven to 375°F. Reserve 1/4 cup Parmesan; set aside.
2. Mix remaining Parmesan with remaining ingredients; spoon into 2-qt. baking dish. Sprinkle with reserved Parmesan.
3. Bake 35 min. or until dip is heated through and top is lightly browned. Serve with WHEAT THINS Crackers or assorted cut-up fresh vegetables.

**Personal Review: No Review Yet**

Asparagus and Chicken Carbonara

Recipe & picture courtesy of My Recipes

Serves 5

• 8 ounces uncooked spaghetti
• 2 cups (1-inch) slices asparagus (about 3/4 pound)
• 1/2 cup egg substitute
• 1/2 cup evaporated fat-free milk
• 2 teaspoons olive oil
• 1/2 cup chopped onion
• 1/4 cup dry vermouth
• 2 cups chopped skinless, boneless rotisserie chicken breast meat
• 1/2 cup (2 ounces) grated fresh Parmesan cheese
• 3 tablespoons finely chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 4 bacon slices, cooked and crumbled

1. Cook pasta in boiling water 10 minutes or until al dente; add asparagus during final 2 minutes of cooking. Drain pasta mixture in a colander over a bowl, reserving 1/3 cup cooking liquid. Combine reserved cooking liquid, egg substitute, and milk, stirring with a whisk.
2. Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add oil and onion to pan; sauté 2 minutes. Add vermouth; cook 1 minute. Add pasta mixture; stir to combine. Remove from heat; stir in milk mixture, chicken, and cheese. Place pan over medium heat, and cook 4 minutes or until slightly thick, stirring frequently. Remove from heat; stir in parsley, salt, pepper, and bacon. Serve immediately.

**Personal Review: No Review Yet**

Asparagus Popover

Recipe & picture courtesy of Rachael Ray

SERVES 4
Prep Time: 15 min
Bake Time: 20 min

• 1 pound asparagus
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1/2 cup milk
• 3 large eggs, at room temperature
• 1/2 cup flour
• Salt and pepper
• Pinch sugar
• 3 ounces gruyère or Swiss cheese, shredded (1 cup loosely packed)

1. Position a rack in the lower third of the oven and preheat to 425°. In a medium saucepan, add enough salted water to reach a depth of 2 inches; bring to a boil. Add the asparagus and cook until crisp-tender, about 3 minutes. Drain and rinse with cold water, then pat dry with paper towels. Cut the spears crosswise into thirds.
2. In a medium cast-iron skillet, add the butter. Place the skillet in the oven to melt the butter.
3. In a medium bowl, microwave the milk on high for 30 seconds. Whisk in the eggs, then the flour, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon pepper and the sugar.
4. Add the asparagus pieces to the hot cast-iron skillet and pour the batter on top. Sprinkle with half of the cheese and bake until puffed and golden-brown, 18 to 20 minutes. Top with the remaining cheese.

**Personal Review: No Review Yet** 

Asparagus Tempura

Recipe & picture courtesy of Rachael Ray

SERVES 6
Prep Time: 15 min
Cook Time: 15 min

• 1/4 cup yogurt
• 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 4 cups vegetable oil
• 3/4 cup flour
• 1/2 cup cornstarch
• 1/4 cup sesame seeds (optional)
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 cup seltzer, at room temperature
• 1 pound asparagus

1. In a small bowl, stir together the yogurt, mayonnaise, mustard and honey.
2. In a large saucepan, heat the oil over medium-high heat until the temperature registers 375° on a deep-fry thermometer.
3. Meanwhile, in a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, sesame seeds, salt and baking soda. Whisk in the seltzer until smooth.
4. Add the asparagus to the batter and turn to coat. Transferring one piece at a time, add about one-quarter of the asparagus to the hot oil and cook, turning, until golden and crisp, 1 1/2 to 2 minutes. Drain on paper towels. Repeat with the remaining asparagus, allowing the oil to return to 375° between batches. Serve hot with the dipping sauce.

**Personal Review: No Review Yet** 

Creamy Crab and Asparagus Salad

Recipe & picture courtesy of Rachael Ray

SERVES 4
Prep Time: 10 min
Cook Time: 4 min

• 1 1/2 pounds asparagus, quartered crosswise on an angle
• 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
• Salt and pepper
• 2 tablespoons finely chopped chives
• 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
• 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice, plus lemon wedges for serving
• 1 1/2 teaspoons ketchup
• One 8-ounce container lump crab, picked through

1. Rinse the asparagus in a colander; leave wet. In a medium nonstick skillet, add the olive oil and asparagus and cook over medium heat until crisp-tender, 3 to 4 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
2. In a medium bowl, stir together the chives, mayonnaise, lemon juice and ketchup. Add the crab and toss gently to coat. Season with pepper.
3. Divide the asparagus among 4 plates and top with a mound of the crab mixture. Serve with the lemon wedges.

**Personal Review: No Review Yet** 

Garlicky Steak and Asparagus

Recipe & picture courtesy of Better Homes & Gardens

2 servings
Prep: 15 minutes
Grill: 3 to 4 minutes

• 1 12- to 14-oz. boneless beef top loin (strip) steak, cut about 3/4 inch thick
• 1 or 2 large cloves garlic, coarsely chopped
• 1/2 tsp. cracked or coarsely ground black pepper
• 1/4 tsp. salt
• 8 to 10 thin asparagus spears, trimmed (6 oz.)
• 2 tsp. garlic-flavored olive oil or olive oil
• 1/2 cup beef broth
• 1 Tbsp. dry white wine
• 1/4 tsp. Dijon-style mustard

1. Rub the steak on both sides with a mixture of the garlic, pepper, and salt, pressing in the mixture with your fingers. Place the asparagus in a shallow dish and drizzle with the oil. For sauce, in a medium skillet stir together the broth and wine. Cook over high heat for 4 to 5 minutes or until mixture is reduced to 1/4 cup. Whisk in mustard; keep warm.
2. Preheat an indoor electric grill on high setting, if available. Place steak on the grill rack. If using a covered grill, close lid. Grill until steak is desired doneness. (For a covered grill, allow 3 to 4 minutes for medium rare or 5 to 7 minutes for medium. For an uncovered grill, allow 6 to 8 minutes for medium rare or 8 to 10 minutes for medium, turning steak once.) If space allows, add asparagus to covered grill for the last 2 to 3 minutes or for uncovered grill the last 4 to 5 minutes of grilling. Cook asparagus until crisp-tender.*
3. Spoon sauce on serving plate. Cut steak in half crosswise. Serve steak halves atop sauce with asparagus on top. Makes 2 servings.

*Note: The asparagus cooking time will vary with the size of asparagus. Also, if there is no room on the grill, the asparagus can be grilled after the steak.

Conventional Method: Prepare as above through Step 1. Place steak on the unheated rack of a broiler pan. Broil 3 to 4 inches from the heat for 8 to 10 minutes for medium rare or 10 to 12 minutes for medium, turning once and adding asparagus to the rack of the broiler pan the last 2 minutes of broiling. Serve as directed above.

  **Personal Review: No Review Yet**

Shrimp, Asparagus, and Penne Pasta

Recipe & picture courtesy of My Recipes

Serves 4

• 1 cup uncooked penne (tube-shaped pasta)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 cups (1-inch) sliced asparagus (about 3/4 pound)
• 1/2 cup chopped onion
• 1 teaspoon bottled minced garlic
• 1/2 pound peeled and deveined medium shrimp
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper
• 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes with basil, garlic, and oregano, undrained
• 1/4 cup (1 ounce) preshredded fresh Parmesan cheese

1. Cook pasta according to package directions, omitting salt and fat; drain.
2. While pasta cooks, heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add asparagus, onion, garlic, and shrimp; sauté for 5 minutes. Add oregano, pepper, and tomatoes; cook over medium-low heat 5 minutes or until thoroughly heated. Stir in cooked pasta; sprinkle with cheese.

 **Personal Review: No Review Yet**