Springtime Eating ~ Garlic Roasted Asparagus

Good morning peeps! Happy Tuesday to you!

How often do you eat produce that's local and in season?? I love farmer's markets in the Spring, Summer and Fall but I often rely on grocery store produce from October through to about May. I'm always so pumped when the produce stands start popping up because to me fresh, local produce is the absolute best way to eat!

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If you are a farmer's market addict like me, I'm sure you can relate when I say nothing tastes better than a fruit or veggie that has been hand picked within the past 24 hours. I love lazy Saturdays spent picking berries or perusing the local market picking the freshest, most juiciest melons and apples and veggies you can find! My favourite market is right next door to my favourite local winery, so I love stopping by for some wine testing after a hard morning of shopping! 

Being from Southwestern Ontario (Canada), we have to wait until early May before we start seeing local produce. For us, Springtime means fresh asparagus, rhubarb, green onions, radishes, potatoes and strawberries.

As you know, I scored bigtime in the rhubarb and asparagus department and now I'm trying to use both up in all of my favourite ways. If you haven't tried my rhubarb apple bread, you must give it a try. I've almost polished off my first loaf and I'm ready to bake another right away!

Today is all about asparagus. I want to share one of our favourite ways to prepare it. You're going to love this recipe ~ it's so incredibly easy to whip together and is a great side for a Sunday afternoon barbecue with the family & some friends.

Garlic Roasted Asparagus

Slightly adapted from recipe by Emeril Lagasse

2 lbs of asparagus, ends trimmed

2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

1 1/2 tbsp minced garlic

pinch of sea salt & pepper

1 tbsp fresh lemon juice

Preheat oven to 425. Grease a large baking dish.

Place asparagus in baking dish. Add olive oil and garlic and toss well to mix. Sprinkle with salt & pepper.

Bake for 15 - 20 minutes or until asparagus is tender and starting to brown. You may want to flip the asparagus once or twice during baking to ensure it all cooks evenly.

Remove from oven and squeeze the lemon juice over the asparagus. Toss once again.

Serve immediately.

Muah ~ Delicious!!!

This is a fabulous and healthy side. We'll definitely be chowing down on this several times while asparagus is in season!

What is your favourite Springtime fruit & veggie?

Where do you buy most of your produce in the Spring & Summer?

Have a fabulous Tuesday,

Andrea