California Asparagus Sandwich Recipes

ASPARAGUS ROLL-UPS

Steps:

• In a large saucepan, bring 1/2 in. of water to a boil. Add asparagus; cover and boil for 3 minutes. Drain and immediately place asparagus in ice water. Drain and pat dry. Set aside., Flatten bread with a rolling pin. Combine the cream cheese, bacon and chives; spread 1 tablespoonful on each slice of bread. Top with an asparagus spear. Roll up tightly; place seam side down on a greased baking sheet. Brush with butter and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese. , Cut roll-ups in half. Bake at 400° for 10-12 minutes or until lightly browned.

CALIFORNIA ASPARAGUS SANDWICH

Steps:

• Have ingredients at room temperature. Make Lemon Aioli (flavored mayonnaise) by whisking together the lemon zest, juice and garlic, which has been slightly mashed with the salt (use a sharp knife tip on a cutting board). Whisk in the mayonnaise and olive oil. Spread on smooth side of each square of focaccia, using a generous 1/2 tablespoon.
• Divide remaining ingredients among 4 squares focaccia, layered in the order listed. Top with remaining 4 squares focaccia. Cut each sandwich in half into two triangles.
• Sandwiches can be served at room temperature or warm in a 450-degree oven a few minutes, especially if regular mozzarella was substituted for fresh. Sandwiches are not meant to be served hot.

OPEN-FACED ASPARAGUS SANDWICH

Steps:

• For the hops oil: Fill a glass bottle to the top with the hops, about 4 cups depending on the size of the bottle. Zest and juice 10 of the lemons and reserve for the citrus shallot dressing. Juice the remaining 2 lemons and reserve 1/2 cup juice for the hummus. Slice the lemon rinds and add them to the bottle. Add the olive oil until the bottle is full. Turn the bottle upside down so the hops and rinds float upwards, infusing the oil. The longer the oil sits, the stronger the flavor. Infuse for a minimum of 48 hours, turning the bottle several times a day.
• For the hummus: Pour the beans into a large stockpot. Cover with cold water until the water line is about 3 inches above the beans. Partially cover the stockpot with a lid and bring the water to a boil over medium-low heat. Simmer the beans slowly so they don't crack and break, stirring occasionally, about 45 minutes. If the water has been completely absorbed but the beans don't seem tender, add a bit of warm water and continue cooking to the desired texture. Drain any excess water and pour the beans onto a cookie sheet in an even layer to cool.
• For the citrus shallot dressing: Add the orange zest and juice to a mixing bowl with the reserved zest and juice of 10 lemons. Add the olive oil and shallots and use a whisk or blender to mix together. Refrigerate until using.
• To finish the hummus, puree the basil and garlic in a blender or food processor. Add the cooled beans and process. While the blender is running, gradually add the reserved 1/2 cup lemon juice and the olive oil. Add salt and pepper to taste. Refrigerate until using.
• For the roasted red bell peppers: Roast the peppers by placing them on an open gas flame, turning them frequently with tongs, until all sides are charred black, 7 to 10 minutes. Let cool for 15 minutes. Peel the peppers, removing the skins, seeds and stems. Dice the peppers, drizzle with olive oil and season with salt. Set aside.
• For the sandwiches: Prepare a grill to medium-high heat.
• Drizzle olive oil over the asparagus spears and red onion slices. Season with salt and pepper. Grill the vegetables about 1 minute per side. Grill each side of the ciabatta halves until lightly browned.
• To assemble: Spread a small amount of hummus in the middle of each plate to keep the sandwich from sliding around when fully assembled. Place a grilled ciabatta half on top of the hummus and spread a generous amount of hummus on top of each ciabatta half, about 1/4 cup. Add some roasted red bell peppers and grilled red onions.
• In a small bowl, toss the arugula in the citrus shallot dressing. Pile up some arugula on top of each bread piece, followed by 4 spears of grilled asparagus. Finish with the pear tomatoes and sliced Fresno chiles. Lightly drizzle the hops oil over the sandwiches. Season with salt and coarsely ground black pepper.

ASPARAGUS GRILL SANDWICHES

Steps:

• Spread one side of each slice of bread with butter.
• Place 4 slices of bread, buttered side down, on a hot griddle.
• On each slice place 2 slices of ham, 1 slice of onion and tomato, 4 asparagus spears, and 1 slice of cheese.
• Place remaining 4 slices of bread, buttered side up, on top of cheese.
• Cook until sandwiches are golden brown on bottom; turn carefully to brown top slices of bread.
• Pour hot cheese sauce over the sandwiches before serving.
• Cheese Sauce: Melt butter in a heavy saucepan over low heat.
• Add flour, and cook 1 minute, stirring constantly.
• Gradually add milk; cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until thickened and bubbly.
• Add cheese, and stir until melted.
• **Islice these diagonally, then drizzle with cheese sauce.

ASPARAGUS PATE SANDWICH

Steps:

• Preheat oven to broil.
• Thaw and drain asparagus. Combine asparagus with cream cheese in large bowl with an electric mixer or wooden spoon until roughly blended.
• Add 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, salt and pepper; blend until mixture is smooth and even.
• Butter one side of each piece of sourdough bread and sprinkle parmesan cheese over. Lightly pat the cheese into the butter so that it stays on the bread while broiling.
• Place bread slices on a lightly greased cookie sheet, cheese side down.
• With a butter knife, carefuly spread the asparagus pate evenly onto the top of each slice. Add sun-dried tomatoes.
• Place under broiler and broil pate side until warm.
• With a spatula, turn one slice onto another, forming four sandwiches, and broil each side until lightly golden brown.
• Makes 4 sandwiches.
• Great served with a rich tomato soup such as recipe #117907 for a special luncheon.

HAM & ASPARAGUS SANDWICHES

Steps:

• Wash asparagus spears, find the point at the end of each stalk where it breaks easily, and snap off.
• Line up tips cut off ends even with broken stalk.
• Cut each spear in half.
• Set aside.
• Place muffin halves on a baking sheet, cut side up.
• Top each with a slice of ham and 4 pieces of asparagus.
• Combine Mayonnaise and mustard in a small mixing bowl stirring until well blended.
• Spoon mixture evenly over top of each sandwich.
• Broil 6 inches from heating element for 3 minutes.
• Sprinkle cheese over each sandwich and broil just until cheese has melted.
• Serve immediately.
• Note these could also be cut in half and served as appetizers.

CALIFORNIA STEAK SANDWICH

Steps:

• In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, soy sauce, lime juice and brown sugar. Add steak and toss until coated. Marinate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours.
• Remove steak from marinade and pat dry with paper towels. Season lightly with salt (remembering there was soy sauce in the marinade) and pepper.
• To grill: Preheat grill to medium-high. Place on grill and cook steak to your liking, about 6 minutes per side for medium-rare. (Cooking time will vary due to thickness of your steak.).
• To broil: Preheat oven broiler to high. Place steak on a sheet pan and cook, turning once halfway, until cooked to your liking, about 6 minutes per side for medium-rare. (Cooking time will vary due to thickness of your steak.).
• For the onions: Cut the onion into 4 (1-inch thick) slices. Remove the outer ring of skin from each slice. Drizzle the sliced onion with light colored oil and season both sides with steak seasoning or salt and pepper, to taste. Grill on hot grill or on a nonstick griddle for 5 to 7 minutes on each side until onion is tender and has begun to caramelize. (I use a small metal skewer to hold the onions together) easier to flip over.
• For the Garlic bread: Combine the butter, chopped parsley and garlic in a food processor or with a mixer until smooth. Season with salt and pepper. Spread on both sides of bread and place in a pan over medium heat until toasted, flip and repeat.
• For the seasoned Arugula: Place in a bowl, lightly squirt some olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
• Garlic toast, arugula, steak and top the steak with the caramelized onions and the other piece of garlic toast -- enjoy!

LADY AND SONS ASPARAGUS SANDWICH - PAULA DEEN

Steps:

• First,blanch the asparagus spears in boiling, salted water for 1 minute. Remove immediately to a bowl of ice water.
• Melt 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add asparagus and saute lightly. Season with the salt and pepper, or lemon pepper. Remove asparagus from pan and set aside. Butter 2 pieces of the pumpernickle bread with the remaining 1 tablespoon butter. Place the bread in the same skillet, buttered side down, and grill on 1 side. Flip bread and place 1 piece of cheese on each slice of bread. Grill until cheese is melted and then remove from pan. Spread desired amount of dressing on top of each slice of bread. Arrange asparagus on top of cheese, rotating the spears. Place onion rings on top of asparagus. Cut sandwich in half. Garnish with pickle slices or parsley, if desired. Enjoy!
• In a medium bowl, mix all ingredients together. Season with salt, pepper, and lemon pepper, to taste. Store it in an air-tight container and refrigerate until ready to serve.
• Yield: 2 3/4 cups.

ASPARAGUS SANDWICH

Steps:

• In a steamer basket over boiling water, steam asparagus for 3-5 minutes or until fork tender, but NOT overcooked.
• Rinse immediately under cold water. Set aside until ready to use.
• SAUCE: Combine the balsamic vinegar, soy sauce, brown sugar and garlic in a small saucepan. Add 2 tablespoons of water. Over medium heat, reduce by half.
• Add the green onion. Adjust seasoning.
• In a small bowl, combine the cream cheese, chives and tarragon. Set aside.
• In a toaster oven or under a broiler, toast one side of each of the baguette slices.
• Spread each with a small amount of the cream cheese mixture.
• Arrange the asparagus, drizzle with vinegarette.
• Add desired seasoning of S&P.
• Add sliced radishes (optional).