Recipe: Asparagus with Apple Vinaigrette

ASPARAGUS WITH APPLE VINAIGRETTE

1 1/2 lb asparagus
FOR THE APPLE VINAIGRETTE
3/4 cup apples, peeled, cored and quartered
1 cup water
1 tbsp honey
1/4 cup red wine vinegar
1/2 cup garlic clove, peeled and minced
1 tsp. Dijon mustard
1 tbsp lemon juice, fresh squeeze
1 1/2 tsp. brandy
1/2 cup vegetable oil
Salt and ground black pepper (to taste)

TO MAKE THE VINAIGRETTE:
In a saucepan, over medium heat, simmer the apples and honey in 1 cup water until tender. Cool in the pan.

Remove the cooled apples. Place the apples in a food processor or blender and puree. Add vinegar, garlic, mustard, lemon juice and brandy to the apple puree and blend for one minute. 5. With machine running, add the vegetable oil, blending until smooth. 6. Season with salt and pepper.

TO PREPARE THE ASPARAGUS:
Cook or steam asparagus until tender. Arrange on individual serving plates and cover with several spoons of vinaigrette.

Makes 4 servings