Recipe: Rich, Healthy Asparagus Soup

I just discovered how easy and quick this delicious, decadent soup is if you find yourself with a large amount of asparagus. (I always buy the 2 lb bag of asparagus at Sam’s Club.) And it is SO healthy. I just love it!

Here’s a recipe video if you like the full, visual explanation:

Ingredients:

-2 lbs fresh asparagus
-3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
-2 garlic cloves, minced
-3 cups reduced-sodium
-1 can (13.5 oz) reduced-fat coconut milk
-1 teaspoon salt, or more to taste
-1/4 teaspoon white pepper, or black pepper

Directions:

1.  Break off or cut the thick, woody ends of the asparagus. Then, cut asparagus spears into thirds.

2. Heat olive oil on medium-high heat. Once shimmery/ hot, add the asparagus and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally.

3. Add the garlic and cook another minute, stirring occasionally.

4. Add the broth, enough to just cover all of the asparagus. Once it is starting to boil, lower the head to medium-low and cover. Let cook for 10 minutes, or until asparagus is very tender.

5. Either add to a blender or use a hand-held emulsifier and blend until pureed.

6. Add back to the stove and add the coconut milk. Cook for another 5 minutes, or longer if you want it thicker, on medium heat, stirring occasionally.

7. Season with pepper and any extra salt you may need. Then, it is ready to serve!

You may top it off with seared asparagus or seared mushrooms, or anything else you fancy. Though,  it doesn’t need a thing!

 

Rich, Healthy, Asparagus Soup

Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Course Soup
Cuisine American

Ingredients
  

  • 2 lbs fresh asparagus
  • 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced or 2 tbsp minced garlic
  • 3 cups reduced-sodium chicken broth or veggie broth to keep it vegan
  • 1 can 13.5 oz reduced fat coconut milk
  • 1 tsp salt, or more to taste
  • 1/4 tsp white pepper or black pepper if you don't have it

Instructions
 

  • Break off or cut the thick, woody ends of the asparagus. Then, cut asparagus spears into thirds.
  • Heat olive oil on medium-high heat. Once shimmery/ hot, add the asparagus and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  • Add the garlic and cook another minute, stirring occasionally.
  • Add the broth, enough to just cover all of the asparagus. Once it is starting to boil, lower the head to medium-low and cover. Let cook for 10 minutes, or until asparagus is very tender.
  • Either add to a blender or use a hand-held emulsifier and blend until pureed.
  • Add back to the stove and add the coconut milk. Cook for another 5 minutes, or longer if you want it thicker, on medium heat, stirring occasionally.
  • Season with pepper and any extra salt you may need. Then, it is ready to serve!
Keyword healthy, recipe, soup, asparagus, asparagus soup, amy westerman,

Recipe: Almond Bars

One of everyone’s favorites and my go-to dessert is my almond bars. I tasted a treat like this while in high school from a catering company and started working on getting that recipe figured out. My final product is a little better than the original, if I say so myself. =) Here’s the recipe!

*These also freeze beautifully. I usually just freeze any bars left over from an event and thaw them out for the next one for 30 minutes, and they still taste fresh.

Ingredients:

-2 sticks unsalted butter
-2 cups sugar (plus 2-3 tablespoons)
-3 eggs
-2 cups sifted flour
-1/2 teaspoon salt
-2 tablespoons imitation almond extract
-1/4-1/2 cup slivered almonds

Directions:

1. Melt butter ( I use the microwave) and add the sugar and beat with a hand mixer until smooth.
2. Add 1 egg at a time, and beat with hand mixer until all are fully mixed.
3. Add 1 cup of sifted flour at a time and slowly beat until well mixed.
4. Add salt and almond extract (imitation seems to be more flavorful and cheaper).
5. Spray a baking dish (I use a 9×9 brownie dish) and spread batter. Place slivered almonds on the top and then sprinkle extra sugar all over the top.
6. Cook for 40-45 minutes in a preheated oven at 350 degrees.

Almond Bars

My go-to pot lock dessert- unique and so flavorful. They are always a huge hit!
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American

Ingredients
  

  • 2 sticks unsalted butter 1 cup
  • 2 cups sugar (plus 2-3 tablespoons)
  • 3 eggs
  • 2 cups sifted all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 2 tbsp pure OR imitation almond extract
  • 1/4-1/2 cup slivered almondsMelt butter ( I use the microwave) and add the sugar and beat with a hand mixer until smooth.

Instructions
 

  • Melt butter ( I use the microwave) and add the sugar and beat with a hand mixer until smooth.
  • Add 1 egg at a time, and beat with hand mixer until all are fully mixed.
  • Add 1 cup of sifted flour at a time and slowly beat until well mixed.
  • Add salt and almond extract (imitation seems to be more flavorful and cheaper).
  • Spray a baking dish (I use a 9×9 brownie dish) and spread batter. Place slivered almonds on the top and then sprinkle extra sugar all over the top.
  • Cook for 40-45 minutes in a preheated oven at 350 degrees.
Keyword almond bars, amy westerman, dessert, recipe,