To Boil Asparagus

Ingredients

• 1 pound Asparagus, washed and scraped (About 20-25 spears)
• 1 teaspoon Salt (For boiling water)
• 1 slice Bread, sliced (For toasting)
• 8 cups Water (For boiling)

Instructions

1. 1Wash the asparagus thoroughly. Using a vegetable peeler or knife, scrape the tough outer skin from the lower portion of each spear. Trim the bottoms so all spears are even in length. As you finish each spear, place it in a bowl of cold water.
2. 2Drain the asparagus and divide into small bundles of 5-6 spears each. Tie each bundle with kitchen string, wrapping it around twice to secure the spears together.
3. 3Fill a large pot with water and add salt. Bring to a rolling boil over high heat.
4. 4Carefully place the asparagus bundles into the boiling water. Return to a boil and cook for 20 to 25 minutes, until the asparagus is tender when pierced with a fork but not mushy.
5. 5While the asparagus is cooking, toast the bread slice until golden brown. Cut off the crusts and cut the toast into 4 triangular pieces.
6. 6Remove the asparagus bundles from the water using tongs or a slotted spoon and let drain briefly. Arrange the toast triangles on a serving dish with points meeting in the center. Cut the strings from the asparagus bundles and arrange the spears on top of the toast with the tips meeting in the middle. Serve immediately.