Fresh Asparagus

For 6 people, you’ll need 2 pounds of asparagus. One of the easiest ways to cook it is in a microwave: simply place the asparagus in a Pyrex roasting pan, cover with plastic wrap, and cook on high at 2-minute intervals. When the asparagus is done, drizzle with some extra-virgin olive oil and season with a little salt and pepper. If you’re cooking it well before you serve it, cook it until it is slightly underdone, then remove the asparagus from the pan and spread the stalks out on a kitchen