Baked and Roasted Side:Baked Asparagus with Goat Cheese and Bread Crumbs

Baked Asparagus with Goat Cheese and Bread Crumbs

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 pounds jumbo or extra-large California asparagus, trimmed
• 2 1/4 tablespoons butter, melted - divided use
• 2 ounces fresh white goat cheese, crumbled into bits (about 1/2 cup)
• 1/2 cup fresh, white bread crumbs

Cooking Procedures:

• Cover asparagus spears with 1 1/2 tablespoons melted butter, then salt lightly.
• Arrange in an oven-to-table shallow baking dish large enough to hold the asparagus in 1 layer. Evenly distribute cheese bits over asparagus, then sprinkle with bread crumbs. Drizzle remaining 1 tablespoon melted butter over bread crumbs.
• Bake at 400°F (205°C) until asparagus is tender-crisp and the bread crumbs lightly browned, about 10 minutes.
• Makes 6 servings.