Making Tuesday Tasty-Grilled Asparagus w/Lemon and Garlic

My all time favorite vegetable, which is now in season, is asparagus. I know some people shudder at the thought of asparagus and I can only say to that, you don't know what you're missing! A major part in a great asparagus eating experience is, the right preparation. I personally like to toss mine in a little olive oil, salt, pepper, and garlic and roast until tender and a little crispy. I could and have polished off a bundle myself with that combination.

Here's a Paula Deen recipe that has a good take on bringing out the flavors of the asparagus! I would probably do without the lemon zest and go with a good squirt of lemon juice. If you like a stronger lemon flavor, lemon zest all the way!

Ingredients

1 pound asparagus

3 tablespoons olive oil

2 cloves garlic, finely minced

1 teaspoon grated lemon zest

1/4 teaspoon paprika

Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Directions

Trim asparagus. In a small bowl, combine oil, garlic, zest and paprika and stir with a fork. Lay asparagus side by side and pierce on 2 wooden skewers to form a raft. Place rafts on the grill and brush with oil mixture. Cook to desired tenderness and season with salt and pepper.

*photo courtesy of Foodnetwork.com*