Maple Glazed Julienned Carrots With Steamed Asparagus

A fancy presentation for a simple vegetable. Looks very pretty on the plate.

• Ready In: 40 mins
• Serves: 6-8

Ingredients

• 8  large carrots, peeled
• 1⁄2 lb asparagus
• 1⁄4 teaspoon salt
• 1  pinch white pepper
• 1  tablespoon butter
• 1  tablespoon maple syrup or 1  tablespoon honey

Directions

1. Using a julienne peeler, julienne the carrots. I hold the large part of the carrot, and pull the peeler down the length of the carrot. Just keep peeling/julienning the carrots until you can't hold the carrot any more. The carrots will be long and spaghetti like. You will have a chunk left, just grate that for other uses, or discard.
2. Prepare the asparagus: Trim the ends of the asparagus and wash. Peel the bottoms if they are tough.
3. Bring some salted water to a boil in an asparagus steamer, or 12" saute pan with a lid.
4. Cook the asparagus, covered, until tender crisp, about 3-5 minutes. Drain, and season with salt and pepper, and 1 teaspoon of the butter.
5. Meanwhile, bring some salted water to a boil in a large saucepan.
6. Add the carrots, and cook, covered, for 4-6 minutes, or until just tender crisp.
7. Drain, and set aside. Melt the remaining butter in the saucepan, add the maple syrup, 1/4 teaspoon of salt and a pinch of white pepper. Add the carrots and toss.
8. To serve: put a pile of the carrots on the plate, and lay 3 to 5 asparagus spears over the top.