Asparagus Mornay

My Asparagus Mornay: A Simple Recipe with a Big Impact

As a busy mom, I'm always on the lookout for quick and easy recipes that the whole family will enjoy. Finding meals that please even the pickiest eaters can be a challenge, but this Asparagus Mornay has become a true lifesaver. It started with a love for asparagus – a vegetable I grew up with on our family farm. The memories of those lush green spears, freshly picked, still bring a smile to my face. However, getting my own children to appreciate this wonderful vegetable proved to be more challenging than I anticipated.

My husband, bless his heart, will try anything, but my four-year-old, Aaron, was a different story. He's the king of picky eaters, and asparagus was definitely on his "no" list. I experimented with countless recipes, trying various preparations in the hope of sneaking in a bit of nutritious green goodness. Then, I stumbled upon this recipe, and it completely changed our dinner routine. It’s simple to prepare, incredibly flavorful and, most importantly, even Aaron loves it!

The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity. The creamy, cheesy sauce complements the delicate asparagus perfectly, creating a harmonious blend of textures and flavors. The broiling adds a lovely crispness to the cracker topping, giving it a delightful crunch that complements the tender asparagus underneath. It's a versatile recipe; you can easily adapt it to your taste by using different cheeses or adding herbs for a unique twist. I sometimes add a sprinkle of fresh parsley before serving for an extra touch of color and freshness.

This Asparagus Mornay is not just a meal; it's a celebration of simple ingredients transformed into something extraordinary. The rich, creamy sauce coats every tender spear, creating a taste sensation that's hard to resist. It’s a dish that brings my family together, sharing a meal that's both satisfying and memorable. Beyond the taste, this recipe represents something more profound: the joy of creating something special from readily available ingredients, the satisfaction of seeing my children enjoy a healthy meal, and the simple pleasure of sharing a meal with the people I love.

The best part? It’s incredibly easy to prepare. The recipe involves minimal steps and can be assembled in just a few minutes. While it does require a little bit of stovetop and oven time, the hands-on effort is minimal, leaving you with more time to spend with your family, which is something I always appreciate as a busy working mom.

This Asparagus Mornay is a recipe that has truly transcended its humble beginnings. It's not just a dish that fills hungry bellies, it's a symbol of family togetherness and the simple joys of cooking and sharing a meal. From a simple vegetable to a family favorite, it's a recipe that holds a special place in my heart.

So, whether you're a busy mom like myself, a seasoned chef, or simply looking for a delicious and easy weeknight dinner, I encourage you to try this Asparagus Mornay. I’m confident it will become a staple in your kitchen too. It’s more than just a meal; it’s a memory in the making, one creamy, cheesy, and wonderfully delicious bite at a time.

Step-by-step

• In a skillet, cook asparagus in a small amount of water until crisp-tender, about 6-8 minutes; drain.
• Arrange spears in the bottom of a greased 1-1/2-qt. baking dish; set aside and keep warm.
• In a small saucepan, melt butter. Stir in flour until smooth.
• Gradually whisk in the cream, bouillon, nutmeg and salt.
• Bring to a boil over medium heat; cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened.
• Remove from the heat; add cheese and stir until melted.
• Pour over asparagus.
• Sprinkle with cracker crumbs.
• Broil 6 in. from the heat for 3-5 minutes or until lightly browned.