Steak & Asparagus Stir-Fry

This is possibly the richest, most flavorful stir fry ever, with the least labor involved.  About 20 years ago Bon Appetit Magazine's "Too Busy To Cook?"  recipe collection featured  this treat.

Stir- frys are by definition quick to make -----IF you aren't chopping ingredients forever.  Nice to be able to skip that.This goes together in a flash. Have your rice cooked before you begin. If you are low-carbing, just skip the rice. I love the glossy, flavorful  brown sauce.

In a small dish combine 1/2 c water, 3 TB soy sauce, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 3 TB cornstarch, blend well with a small whisk or fork.   Cut 1 lb of fairly thin ( regular thickness) steak .Top round works great- in 2" slices. Easiest to do if it is partly frozen when you slice it. In a large skillet or wok, heat 2 TB vegetable oil til hot. Then, add the steak, stir once or twice, then add in 1 lb asparagus spears cut on the diagonal in 2" pieces. (cut or break off the woody ends of the stems first), 1 drained can of sliced water chestnuts, and 1/2 c. sliced green onions. Stir for about  4-6 minutes, just until steak loses its' pinkness.   Then add the sauce and stir for 3-4 minutes more, until thickened and shiny.  Serve immediately over rice. YUM! It should serve 4 people, but........ maybe not!! It's addictive.

South Beach Smoked Salmon-Asparagus Frittata

The first breakfast my  (then future) husband made for me  is  one of our favorite South Beach recipes. The bonus is that it's low carb.  For those who care about stats, a serving has 241 calories, 19 grams protein, 18 gr carbs, 11 gr fat. For everyone else, the " taste count' is way high!

Spray an ovenproof skillet (like cast iron) with Pam and place on medium high heat til hot. Add 1 TB olive oil and saute 1/2 small onion til soft. Add 8 stalks fresh or frozen cooked asparagus, chopped, and 1/4 c. oil-packed sundried tomatoes, 2 oz smoked salmon. Remove from the heat.

Preheat the broiler. Combine 1/3 c. liquid egg substitute with 2 TB dry milk and 1/4 c water, and 1/4 tsp marjoram, a pinch of pepper. Pour over the salmon mixture. Cover and cook at medium-low for about 7 minutes, until the bottom is set and the top is somewhat set but still wet.

Broil 4-6" from the heat until puffed, browned, and set, about 2-3 minutes.

Cut in wedges and serve with sour cream & chives if desired. Makes 2 big - really big- breakfast or supper servings.

Bacon-y Cheesy Asparagus

While you nuke or steam about 15 spears fresh asparagus, or cook a 10 oz box of frozen spears, combine these ingredients in a small saucepan: 1 can cream of celery soup, 2 TB Parmesan cheese; one 4 0z little glass jar of Kraft bacon-cheese spread. Stir til smooth over low heat. Add 1 tsp dry onion, 1 tsp parsley. When heated through, spoon over the hot cooked asparagus. Credit for this recipe goes to Gloria Pitzer, who began the "famous secret recipes" trend long ago.