Wednesday, April 13, 2011

Shaved asparagus salad with walnuts and parmesan

Well, my friends, this will be my last post before we hop on an airplane Sunday for our European dream vacation. While I would have liked to leave you with something French or Spanish, instead I have this simple shaved asparagus salad. Pretty, isn't it?

Unfortunately, my execution was lacking. I didn't shave the asparagus thinly enough, and the husband and I confirmed that largish pieces of raw asparagus are not to our liking. The thin pieces softened with the vinaigrette were quite nice; but I had trouble getting all the stalks skinny enough. Should have used my mandoline but for a weeknight salad, I'm loathe to pull out special equipment.

In any case, I do recommend you check out the recipe, if you are willing to go the extra mile and get your asparagus stalks papery thin.

I'll be back in early May, hopefully with some good photos and tales of eating in Paris and Barcelona. If I were a different type of person, I would have pre-written some blog posts to auto-post while I'm gone, or I'd be blogging live from my travels. But, in addition to looking forward to experiencing each of these cities, I am also looking forward to a break from my weekly routine, which includes writing at the Hungry Dog. My posts in recent months have been a little flat--sorry about that, guess I've been on autopilot this year. I hope, and expect, to come back inspired. It seems to me that gaining a fresh perspective on your life is one of the greatest promises of traveling abroad.

Until then, au revoir and adios!
Posted by Hungry Dog

12 comments:

  1. AnonymousApril 13, 2011 at 8:07 AM

    So excited for you! We're moving this weekend, so with the house quite likely to be in utter chaos next week, we'll definitely be wanting to go out for dinner. See you soon!

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  2. Carolyn JungApril 13, 2011 at 9:05 AM

    Lucky you!! Can I stow away in your suitcase? ;)
    Can't wait to see what you discover on your travels. I love Barcelona. You must go to town on all that exquisite Iberico ham there.

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  3. Single Guy BenApril 13, 2011 at 12:31 PM

    Did you try using a vegetable peeler for your asparagus? That's what I do. Sometimes it seems awkward, but my tip is to place the asparagus on the cutting board on the side of the sink. That way when you peel against the asparagus laying flat on the board, your have the hand space from the sink to maneuver. Anywho, the simple salad you made looks totally Barcelona-ready! Have a safe voyage and enjoy those two brilliant cities! I'm sure you'll have lots of discoveries, and can't wait to see your photos when you return!

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  4. Hungry DogApril 13, 2011 at 5:53 PM

    camille: awesome! Looking forward to seeing you!

    CJ: Yes, the ham...I'm dreaming of it already.

    Ben: Yep, that's how I peeled the asparagus--just couldn't shave the last bit of it thinly enough without just breaking the stalks. Oh well. Thanks for the good wishes!

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  5. AnonymousApril 14, 2011 at 1:55 PM

    Buon Viaggio! Can't wait to hear your tales from abroad. PS -- May try shaved asparagus on pizza... I'm on a insane pizza kick right now... See you on the flip side amiga!

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  6. ConnieApril 15, 2011 at 7:59 AM

    Have a fabulous and safe trip! I hope you get to eat amazing things!

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  7. ashescsApril 15, 2011 at 11:34 AM

    Have fun! Definitely go to the smaller island in the Seine (Ile St. Louis - calmer than Ile de la Cite). We're heading off to Peru soon. We'll have to compare food experiences when we get back (and spend a weekend cooking up what we taste). Enjoy disconnecting from your US life!

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  8. graceApril 15, 2011 at 11:39 PM

    have a safe, enjoyable, eye-opening, exhilarating, rejuvenating, and full-belly time! :)

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  9. Hungry DogApril 16, 2011 at 7:58 AM

    ALY: sounds great!

    Connie: thank you!

    Ash: Yes, it's on our list. When do you leave for Peru? Let's get together in May if you're back.

    grace: thanks!

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  10. FoodhoeApril 16, 2011 at 7:05 PM

    Ooh, I hope you share your adventures! It definitely is asparagus season around here... Bon voyage you lucky hungry dog!

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  11. BarbaraApril 17, 2011 at 5:01 AM

    I've done a salad similar to this and as I recall, I used a vegetable peeler.
    Anyway, have a great trip! Can't wait to hear all about it.

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  12. shazApril 20, 2011 at 7:41 AM

    Have a fantastic trip HD! Looking forward to hearing about your tales when you get back :)

    Ps- I don't even own a mandoline.

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