We can all eat Asparagus again!

         Asparagus isn't a dirty word anymore in our house. My kids aren't heaping their plates with it yet, but at least they eat a few bites of this flavorful and healthy vegetable dish. Time saving tip: Costco sells a bag of frozen pre-cooked brown rice in 4-serving portions, ready in 3 minutes, that makes this recipe so easy and fast.The back of bag had this great recipe.

 Asparagus and Parmesan with Toasted Pine Nuts - serves 3
  1 pouch Rice Expressions Natural Brown Rice (or 2 cups precooked brown rice)
  2 Tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  8 ounces asparagus, trimmed and cut into 1/2 inch diagonal pieces
  1 teaspoon minced garlic
  1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  2 Tablespoons toasted pine nuts (pignoli)
  Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Cook rice in microwave for 3 minutes.  
Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add pine nuts as oil heats and cook until brown. Stir frequently and take care not to burn.
Add asparagus to oil as soon as pine nuts brown and stir fry until crisp tender, 1-1/2 minutes; add a pinch of salt and a grinding of black pepper.
Add garlic and stir fry 30 seconds.
Remove rice from microwave and add to the skillet.
Stir fry until heated through, 1 minute. Add cheese and serve.