We love this hassle-free new way to prepare asparagus — neatly tucked away in the oven. You can wash, season and arrange the asparagus in the roasting dish several hours in advance and be ready to pop it into the hot oven 15 minutes before serving time. serves 4

Ingredients:

• 1 pound fresh asparagus
• 1 Tbsp olive oil
• coarse salt
• freshly ground black pepper
• 2 tsp sherry vinegar
• 2 Tbsp fresh chives

Directions:

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Snap off and discard the thick bottom portions of the asparagus spears. Wash well, pat dry and arrange the spears in a baking dish just large enough to hold them all in a single layer. Drizzle the olive oil on top and sprinkle with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake 12 to 15 minutes or until the asparagus is fork tender. Remove the foil, sprinkle with the vinegar and chives and serve warm.