HERBED ASPARAGUS WITH SHIITAKES AND PARMESAN

Servings: 6
Ingredients:

2 lb ASPARAGUS pencil-thin
8 oz Shiitake mushrooms
1/4 c  (1/2 stick) unsalted butter
1/4 c  Minced shallots
1 tb Finely chopped parsley
1 tb Chopped basil
1 dr Salt to taste
1 ts Freshly cracked black pepper
5 oz Parmesan cheese shaved thin

Add asparagus to boiling pan of salted water. Simmer until tender, about
1 minute..Drain; pat dry. Meanwhile, remove and discard mushroom stems; Cut
mushrooms into 1/4 inch strips.
Melt butter in large heavy skillet, add shallots; cook over medium heat,
stirring frequently until golden brown. Add asparagus and mushrooms; cook 2
minutes, add herbs, salt and pepper; cook an additional minute.
Transfer asparagus to ovend-proof individual serving platters or gratin or
to a large oven-proof platter, keeping stalks in an even row so they can be
served easily; sprinkle with shiitakes. Top with Parmesan; place platter
under hot broiler until cheese is slightly melted, about 2 minutes. Serve
immediately. from Chef John Shirk, Bella Luna Restaurant, Moreland Hills,
Ohio

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