Prosciutto Wrapped Asparagus

Trying to keep carbohydrates at a minimum can be difficult. Finding snacks that fit in the low carb life style can be even harder. These beautiful tiny asparagus are a nice snack to keep on hand. The prep work is not difficult and they will keep in the refrigerator for several days, if they don't all get eaten as soon as you make them! 

When buying asparagus, look for the smallest diameter that you can find. These tend to be more tender and flavorful. Prosciutto can usually be purchased in the deli section of your local grocery. 

Prosciutto Wrapped Asparagus

Fresh Asparagus

Prosciutto 

Trim the ends from the asparagus.  (You can snap them off or cut them if you want them to be a uniform length). The reason for this is that the ends tend to be fibrous and tougher than the upper portion. 

"Blanch" the asparagus. 

This can be done by immersing it in boiling water for 1 minute then placing it in a bowl of iced water to stop the cooking process. I have found that placing the asparagus in a covered microwave safe dish with 1/4 cup of water and microwaving on high for 2 minutes also works fine. Be sure to uncover the dish as soon as you remove it to let it cool quickly. 

When the asparagus has cooled (takes only a few minutes) wrap each stalk in 1/2 piece of prosciutto. 

Store in a tightly covered container in the refrigerator. 

Asian Chicken Salad with substance!

Like many people, my husband & I are trying to decrease our carbohydrate intake. We have done it before and the benefits are great, but the meals become boring; Meat, vegetables, clean, repeat.  I would often find myself daydreaming about pasta which is inevitably when the plan failed, epically. 

This time, we are making it fun and working together to find new dishes to try and have enjoyed most of them so far. 

Because so many of our friends are doing the "low carb" lifestyle as well, we get lots of requests for menu ideas. This is for those of you who are bored with your normal faire and are looking to spice it up a little. 

Before you give up on the idea of salad, try this one, it truly has substance and will satisfy both your taste buds and your hunger. 

Asian Chicken Salad

1/2 head of cabbage sliced very finely or 1 bag of Angel Hair Coleslaw mix. 

2 Scallions, chopped

Fresh Cilantro (to taste) roughly chopped 

1/2 cucumber, chopped

2 Boneless chicken breasts, pan grilled or sautéed, diced. 

1/2 cup toasted almonds or cashews

Red bell pepper (optional) 

Shredded carrot (optional) 

Ginger Dressing (we used Annie's ligh ginger. 

Chop the ingredients & 

Mix in the bowl. Top with Asian dressing and serve. 

Because the base is cabbage, it is much more filling than a normal lettuce salad. I like to chop the chicken and add to the salad when it is warm.  It warms up the cabbage mix and allows it to soften some.  If you don't want to cook the chicken just buy a rotisserie chicken and use the meat from it.  How easy is that? 

I hope that you & yours enjoy this awesome salad. Looking forward to hearing what other fun additions that you come up with! 

Be well fed...