Asparagus :0)

First thing in the morning....

And here's the pay-off for all of the time and attention lavished on the asparagus bed!

I go out twice a day--first thing in the morning and then right before supper--and cut the spears that have reached the proper height (about 8 inches.)  I lay the freshly-washed stalks on a cutting board, slice a little off the cut end, and use a vegetable peeler to peel off a thin layer on the lower stalks (which are tough otherwise.)  The stalks are brittle, so the cutting board supports them and prevents breakage.

and last thing in the afternoon

After I complete the rest of our dinner prep, I lay the spears in a fry pan, pour in boiling water to cover, and simmer about 3-4 minutes--til tender but not limp.  A little sprinkle of Kosher salt, and straight to the table!  While we sometimes include asparagus in a breakfast omelet, I don't bother with other recipes or more complex dishes.  No need to gild a lily.

Six weeks of cutting will end as the weather warms and the spears suddenly become tough and woody.  Then it's time to weed, fertilize, and treat for asparagus beetles, after which I'll mulch the bed and lay out the soaker hoses.  Totally worth it!