Blanching Asparagus

Boil salted water in a shallow pan, prepare an ice water bath to stop the cooking, immerse the asparagus for just 2-3 minutes into the boiling water.

The asparagus should be a beautiful bright green.  Lift the asparagus out with tongs and the sand should have been released.  Submerge into the ice water and then lift onto paper towel.  The asparagus at this point is ready for any other recipe you may want to prepare, sauté, roast, stir fry, or salad.   It would also be perfect and ready to freeze if you are thinking about preserving some for after the spring season.