The Royal Chef At Home: Easy Seasonal Entertaining

GRILLED ASPARAGUS WITH BACON & REDUCED BALSAMIC

THIS RECIPE CALLS FOR REDUCED BALSAMIC VINEGAR WHICH YOU CAN PURCHASE IN ANY GOOD FOODS STORE. But it is also easy to make; just use regular balsamic vinegar and boil it until it has reduced by two-thirds, is syrupy and coats the back of a spoon. MAKES 4 PORTIONS

1 tablespoon reduced balsamic vinegar Salt and pepper to taste

2 large bunches thick asparagus 4 slices center cut smoked bacon 1 tablespoon olive oil

1 Heat the grill to medium high.

4 Drizzle the oil over the bacon/asparagus rolls and place on the grill for about 6-8 minutes, turning them from time to time, until the bacon is cooked and asparagus is easily pierced with a knife. 5 Remove to a serving plate, season with salt and pepper if needed and drizzle over the reduced balsamic just before serving.

2 Snap the asparagus two thirds down from the tips and discard the smaller end pieces. These would be too woody to cook. 3 Wrap about five pieces of asparagus in a slice of bacon and place onto a baking sheet. Repeat the process with the rest of the asparagus and bacon.

76 THE ROYAL CHEF AT HOME