Asparagus Salad with Sesame Chili and Lime Dressing

Serves: 2-4

Sesame Chili and Lime Dressing:

1 small clove of garlic, minced
1 inch fresh ginger, peeled and grated/minced finely
1 lime, zest and juice
2 tsp chili paste
1 tbsp agave nectar or honey
1 tbsp rice vinegar
salt and pepper
1 tsp toasted sesame oil
2 tbsp grapeseed or other neutral oil

1. Combine the ginger, garlic, lime zest, lime juice, chili paste, agave nectar, rice vinegar, salt and pepper in a jar or tupperware dish with a tight fitting lid.
2. Stir to dissolve the salt and combine everything.
3. Add the sesame and grapeseed oils.
4. Put a lid on top and shake mixture vigorously to combine.
5. Set aside.

Asparagus:

1 bunch asparagus, ends trimmed and stalks peeled into ribbons
small handful of grated cabbage (red, green, napa, savoy etc)
3 sprigs of mint, leaves removed and finely sliced
2-3 green onions, finely sliced
1/3 cup peanuts, toasted and roughly chopped

1. Combine the ribboned asparagus, cabbage, sliced mint and green onions in a large bowl.
2. Pour the dressing over top and toss to combine with your hands or tongs.
3. Place salad on a serving plate and garnish with the chopped peanuts and a bit more chopped mint if you like.
4. Serve and enjoy.

Note: If you’re making this ahead, save the mint slicing and dressing-tossing for the end, right before serving. The acid in the dressing can render the thin asparagus less crisp and mint tends to go dark post-slicing.

Peanut Butter Brownies

Serves: 12

1/2 cup peanut butter
4 tablespoons butter, softened
1 cup packed brown sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 eggs
2/3 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup salted peanuts, chopped

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (150 degrees C). Grease an 8-inch square baking pan.
2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the peanut butter and butter. Add the brown sugar, vanilla and eggs and beat until light and fluffy. Combine the flour, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl. Add to the butter mixture and mix until well blended. Stir in the peanuts.
3. Spread batter evenly into pan and bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean. Let cool on wire rack and cut into 2-inch squares.