Artisanal Snacking

So Sunday's trip to the farmer's market yielded a big fresh bunch of asparagus, as I've been eager to try the snack suggestion that fellow blogger Preeti of Againbeborn was kind enough to leave in the comments section of last week's post. Her version, "7 Minute Asparagus," is as follows:

Pan fry snapped Asparagus with extra virgin olive oil
and freshly grated clove of garlic, after sprinkling Kosher Salt


Now it must be said that Preeti's version stands phenomenally on its own - definitely a candidate for the Artisanal Snacking Hall of Fame. I burnt the garlic and it was still delicious. I'm still figuring out the fine art of proper sautéing, and I love that she had "7 Minute" in the title of her snack, as that gave me a good reference for how long I should be working the asparagus and garlic. But being the artisanal snacking mad scientist that I am, I couldn't resist throwing a few of my own elements into the mix. I followed Preeti's recipe, then added thin slices of Manchego cheese atop a simple water cracker. And...voilà! I give you "7 Minute Aspara-chego":

Fresh asparagus
Garlic cloves
Olive Oil
(follow Preeti's recipe for cooking the above 3 ingredients)
Manchego cheese, aged 1 year (for a harder, sharper flavor, try the 6 months aged)
Water crackers

I know I'm breaking the "3 ingredient max" rule, but I don't really count spices, oils or crackers as part of the ingredients - those are mere "helpers." As mentioned last week, you are left to your own devices regarding portions and assembly, just be sure to add some flourish and flair with the presentation.

Give it a whirl, you won't be disappointed. Thanks again to Preeti - and to everyone else, don't be shy - leave a comment and share your snack.