BUTTER SAUCE FOR ASPARAGUS RECIPES

Steps:

• Snap off and discard the tough bottoms of the asparagus spears. If using large, thick asparagus, peel the lower ends with a vegetable peeler.
• Put butter in a wide skillet over medium-high heat. Add asparagus in one layer and season with salt and pepper. Add 1/2 cup water, cover, and bring to a simmer. Cook until the asparagus is firm-tender, about 3 minutes. Take care not to overcook them; they should still be bright green. (They will continue to cook a bit once the heat is off.) Remove the asparagus from the pan and place on a serving platter.
• Turn heat to high and simmer briskly until most of the liquid has evaporated, a minute or so. Add lemon juice and zest to the buttery juices. Turn off heat and stir in chives, parsley, tarragon and dill, if using. Check seasoning. Spoon the sauce over the asparagus, garnish with a few herb leaves, and serve.

Steps:

• In a large micro-wave safe glass bowl, heat butter about 50 seconds on high, or until melted.
• Whisk in the 2 tablespoons of flour and 1 cup of heated milk.
• Add 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese.
• Place in microwave and cook on high for 2 minutes, pausing to whisk thoroughly every 30 seconds.
• Season to taste with salt and whisk again.
• Set cheese sauce aside.
• Bend asparagus until they break at a natural point; discard ends.
• Place asparagus spears in a microwavable glass covered dish, with half the spears going one way, and half the spears going the other way.
• Add 1/4 cup water to the dish.
• Cook, covered, for 6-7 minutes on high, pausing to turn dish every 2 minutes and checking asparagus for doneness.
• Reheat sauce for 1 minute on high before adding to asparagus, if necessary (you may not need all the sauce).