Recipe: Asparagus Spring Rolls

Asparagus Spring Rolls
Rec.food.cooking/PENMART01 (2001)
Makes 8 side-dish servings

1 (8-ounce) package reduced-fat cream cheese (Neufchatel)
2 tablespoons snipped chives
2 tablespoons milk
1 to 2 tablespoons snipped fresh dill
1 clove garlic, minced
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/4 teaspoon salt
8 dried lasagna noodles
24 asparagus spears
6 ounces thinly sliced smoked salmon
8 long fresh chives

In a small mixing bowl combine cream cheese, snipped chives, milk, dill, garlic, lemon juice, and pepper; set aside. In a large pot bring 3 quarts water and the olive oil to boiling; add salt and lasagna noodles. Cook noodles for 10 to 12 minutes or till pasta is nearly tender. Meanwhile, snap off and discard woody bases of asparagus. If necessary, trim asparagus to 5-inch lengths. Add asparagus to pasta; cook 3 minutes more. Drain; rinse with cold water. Drain again and pat pasta dry with paper towels.

Spread about 2 tablespoons of the cream cheese mixture evenly over each lasagna noodle. Divide salmon evenly among the noodles, placing a single layer of salmon on each noodle. Place 3 asparagus spears on one end of each noodle, letting the tips extend beyond the edge. Roll up each noodle. Tie with a fresh chive. Stand spring rolls upright to serve, if desired.