Greenspear Bundles in Bacon

Ingredients

• 1 lb thick asparagus, woody ends trimmed
• 6 slices regular-cut bacon
• 1 Tbsp olive oil
• 1/4 tsp kosher salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp brown sugar, optional
• 1 Tbsp chopped chives
• 1 lemon wedge

Instructions

1. Heat oven to 425°F. Set a wire rack on a foil-lined sheet pan.
2. Toss asparagus with oil, salt and pepper.
3. Wrap bundles of 4 or 5 spears with a bacon slice in a spiral, ends tucked under. Make 6.
4. Sprinkle with brown sugar, if using. Seam side down on the rack.
5. Roast 18 to 22 minutes, until the bacon is crisp.
6. Squeeze lemon over the top and finish with chives.

Tips

Regular-cut bacon: crisps in the time the asparagus needs; thick-cut stays flabby.

Thick spears: thin asparagus overcooks.

Inspired by Hero's Feast