Limoncello Asparagus Spears

This is a simple, classy appetizer with a little limoncello zest, a creamy center and a crispy bite.

Asparagus is by far my favorite vegetable. My favorite way to prepare it is on the grill with olive oil and lemon pepper.

For this appetizer, I took the lemon concept to a grown up level and went with limoncello.

I first learned about limoncello in Europe. My Italian landlord brought me a bottle of homemade liqueur straight from Italy. It’s a combination of lemon peels soaked in grain alcohol combined with simple syrup. The liqueur has the pure essence of the lemons with a subtle sweetness.

For this dish, you’re going to make a limoncello cream by combining cream cheese and the liqueur. Spread it on a wonton wrapper and roll the asparagus inside.

A quick bake in a very hot oven, and you have an easy, elegant appetizer with simple clean flavors and a variety of texture.

Since I made these at 9 a.m., it was a little early to do apps, so I turned this dish into a breakfast, as well. I fried up 3 slices of sopressata, added three limoncello asparagus spears on top and finished it with a poached egg and a sprinkle of lemon salt.

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Limoncello Asparagus Spears

Ingredients 

• ▢ 4 ozs., half block cream cheese
• ▢ 2 tablespoons limoncello
• ▢ 1 tsp. grated lemon zest
• ▢ 1 tsp. salt
• ▢ 1 egg
• ▢ 1 bunch asparagus
• ▢ 1 package wonton wrappers

Instructions 

• 
• In a small bowl whisk together the cream cheese and limoncello, until smooth.
  
• Zest one lemon and mix with 1 teaspoon kosher salt.
• Beat one egg to make an egg wash.
  
• Cut the woody ends off of the asparagus.
  
• Spread the limoncello cream on the center of a wonton wrapper, avoiding the edges.
  
• Lay an asparagus spear on the top edge of the wrapper.
  
• Roll it toward you.
  
• Roll it so the seam is at the bottom and place it on a silpat-lined baking sheet.
  
• For decoration, slice three diagonal slits in the wrapper.
  
• Brush with egg wash.
  
• Sprinkle with lemon salt.
  
• Bake in a 450-degree oven for 12 minutes.
  
• Serve warm.

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Additional Info

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