White Asparagus with Brown Butter

Directions

1. 1

   3 lb White asparagus 2 qt Boiling water mixed with 4 ts Salt 1/2 c Unsalted butter 2/3 c Fine,soft white bread crumbs 1/2 ts Freshly ground

2. 2

   Using a vegetable peeler, peel the asparagus spears

3. 3

   Lay them flat in a large skillet, pour in the boiling salted water, set the pan over moderate heat, cover it, and cook the asparagus for abo

4. 4

   Meanwhile, lightly brown the butter in a medium skillet over moderate heat

5. 5

   Add the bread crumbs and pepper and lightly toss them to mix

6. 6

   Reduce the heat under the skillet to low, to keep the crumbs warm

7. 7

   The instant the asparagus are done, drain them well, then return them to the skillet and shake them over moderate heat for 30 seconds or so

8. 8

   Transfer the asparagus to a small heated platter, then artfully arrange the crumb mixture on top.