Mini college reunion this weekend. Nine of my favorite people

[Raven]

including my two college roommates (all women). They are coming in from San Francisco, Denver, Santa Fe, Dallas, DC and Boston. They are all staying here (between this house and the cabin). I am very excited and very nervous. I've made lists upon lists. I have a menu...chili and salad for the early arrivals Thursday night. Lasagna and a really good asparagas salad on Friday. A party on Saturday with BBQ pork loin, sausage, swordfish and tons of Silver Queen corn on the cob. And, of course, every type of alcohol known to man including tequila for the Margueritas. Betty from Santa Fe gave me a smudge stick for the new house but I have not lit it. I'm expecting that she will conduct an Indian ceremony to bless this house and shoo out the evil spirits. Speaking of evil spirits, I've invited Will...I wonder if he will be brave enough to come!

These are friends of 40 years and when we get together, it's as if we've never been apart. We just pick up where we left off! Wish me luck!

[MissMillie]

1. asparagas salad? sounds yummy

got a recipe for it?

[Raven]

2. Your wish is my command, Miss Millie, here it is and it is good!

This is a do ahead dish which I love because I tend to forget about food when I'm partying.

Ingredients:

1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
1 1/2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 small garlic clove, finely minced
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
1 plum tomato seeded and diced
2 pounds medium asparagas, trimmed
1/3 cup freshly grated parmesian cheese
salt and pepper to taste

1. For the viniagrette, whisk the vinegar, lemon juice and mustard together in a small bowl. Add the garlic. Gradually whisk in the olive oil and then stir in the diced tomato. Season to taste. Let mellow at room temperature of 30 minutes.

2. (I cut the asparagas into about 1 to 1 1/2 pieces).Blanch, steam or microwave the asparagas until crisp/tender, 3 to 5 minutes. Drain. Arrange the asparagas on a platter and pour the vinaigrette over all. Sprinkle with parmesian cheese. Let sit for at least 10 minutes before serving. This may be served warm or at room temperature. I often make it about 30 minutes ahead of serving and let it sit while I do other stuff.

Enjoy!

[DemReadingDU]

3. Sounds delicious!

I'm going to try it too. Enjoy your reunion!

[trof]

4. Sounds good. Try baking the asparagus.

We got this from our daughter down in Melrose.

Lay the spears on one half of a big sheet of foil.
Sprinkle with a pinch of salt and one of sugar.
Dot with butter.
Fold over the other half of foil and crimp all three edges to make airtight envelop.
400 degree oven for 15 minutes for one bunch.
20-25 minutes for two bunches.
Really intensifies the flavor.

You can also do this on the grill, but temp control/time isn't as exact. I poke 'em with my finger to see if they're getting a little soft.

Y'all have fun.