Select Asparagus with very green stalks and smooth tight tips. One pound serves 2-3 people.
Stand fresh asparagus upright in 2 inches of cold water until ready to cook. To clean, cut off and discard the tough lower part of the stalk. Remove scales and any sand that might still be on the stalk.
Buttered Asparagus
Put asparagus stalks in a pan. Add enough boiling salted water to cover bottom of pan. Cover and cook until tender about 15-20 minutes being careful not to burn. Stir in butter. Serve.
Asparagus au Gratin
Put cooked asparagus in a buttered baking dish. Sprinkle with bread crumbs and grated cheese. Bake at 350 degrees until crumbs are brown.
Canton Asparagus
Cut 1 pound of asparagus. Melt 1 tablespoon of butter in a pan over low heat. Add the asparagus. Cover. Cook until asparagus is tender about 5 minutes, do not overcook. Season to taste.
French fried asparagus
Dip asparagus tips in a beaten egg and roll in flour. Chill. Then, fry in a deep-fryer at 380 degrees for 3 minutes (a few at a time.) drain then serve.