Asparagus...The Perfect Valentine's Day Veggie

Whatever delicacies you serve your sweetheart, a side of asparagus should be on the menu. There’s something about the long, elegant stalks that screams special occasion.

Contributed By:
Elizabeth Dehn
www.beautybets.com

You know what I don’t do on Valentine’s Day? Go out to some crazy crowded restaurant filled with starry-eyed couples and prix fixe menus with over-priced lobster tail and mediocre chocolate cake.

I know I sound cynical, but in fact, I’m just a total romantic who believes that Valentine’s Day shouldn't be something involving a hostess stand. Which is why "dinner in" is the only way to spend this otherwise "spendy" holiday. When planning my heart-felt meal, asparagus is certain to be on the menu.

To make it special, I go beyond your basic steamed asparagus with a squeeze of lemon. That’s completely respectable and delicious for a weeknight supper. But you need to show asparagus some extra L-O-V-E on Valentine’s Day. You need to roast it. Direct heat mellows out asparagus’ bitter undertones and softly caramelizes the spears to candy-like effect.

I've included my favorite asparagus recipe, which can be served 3 ways: Roasted, glazed and wrapped in prosciutto.

Asparagus prosciutto