Baked Asparagus wrapped in Prosciutto

Basic ingredients:
Serves 4

- 16 large asparagus spears, tough ends removed
- 16 slices of prosciutto, sliced thin
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into small bits - 1/3 cup freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
- freshly ground pepper to taste
- salt to taste

Steps:

  • Preheat an oven to 400 degrees.  Butter a baking dish large enough to hold the asparagus.
  • Bring a sauce pan 3/4 full of water to a boil.  Add the asparagus and salt and cook until the spears are just beginning to bend when lifted by the stem, 5-7 minutes.  Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking.
  • Wrap each asparagus spear in one slice of prosciutto and place in the baking dish.
  • Dot with the butter and sprinkle with the cheese and pepper.
  • Bake in the oven until the cheese melts, about 10 minutes.
  • Serve hot directly from the dish.