No fuss, no muss -
Tender, Sweet Asparagus

Skill level: Easy

Microwave steaming not only cooks quickly and neatly, it also retains more nutrients. Use this asparagus recipe as a model for steaming other vegetables in the microwave. (Cooking times for other vegetables vary, so check them every few minutes until they're done.) For best results, make sure the vegetables are of uniform size so they cook evenly. Asparagus gives off enough water during cooking that it doesn't need extra liquid to microwave-steam, but you should add a tablespoon or two of water to broccoli, carrots, and other dense vegetables. To serve four for this dish, you need:

A rectangular glass baking dish or
   other microwave-safe dish large enough
   to hold the asparagus
1 pound fresh asparagus
Dash salt
Microwave safe cover or plastic wrap

Rinse the asparagus in the sink. To remove the tough stem sections, see the "Snapping asparagus" sidebar, in Cooking with Kids For Dummies.

Sprinkle a dash of salt on the asparagus. Cover the dish, leaving one corner open to vent. Microwave on high for 2 to 3 minutes, depending on the thickness of the spears. Stir the asparagus and test for doneness - they should be crisply tender. If more time is needed, cover as before, and cook in 30 to 45 second intervals, rearranging the spears each time, until crisply tender. Be careful not to overcook - better to undercook them than to cook them too long. If serving the asparagus cold, refrigerate until ready to use. Or, serve warm with olive oil or butter.

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