Creamy Asparagus Cavatappi Pasta

I have to say upfront, once again, punch photo helped me with these pictures, and by help I mean... he took them http://blog.punchphoto.com/2009/

This month on the Foodie BlogRoll joust the ingredients were Asparagus, Lemon Grass, and Almonds. It is my first "joust" and this is what I came up with. Go by and see what everyone else had to do and vote for who you like best http://www.leftoverqueen.com/forum/index.php/topic,1218.msg10058.html#msg10058t

1 lb pasta
3 tbs butter
1/4 lb prosciutto diced
1 onion minced
1 clove garlic grated
1 lemon grass stalk, cut into several pieces
2 tbs flour
1c. dry white wine
2 tbs flour
¼ milk
2 c. of cream
½ c. of grated parmesan
1 cup almond slivers toasted
1 pound chopped asparagus blanched


Heat oven to 350 and start water for pasta.
Once oven is ready put the almond slivers on a baking sheet and toast for 7 minutes. Set aside.
Chop about ¼ of the prosciutto, and put in a very hot skillet. Cook until just a bit crisp. Set aside.
Heat 2 tablespoons of butter in a pan and wilt onions.
Add the garlic, lemon grass, last tablespoon of butter and ¾ of the prosciutto and cook another 3 minutes.
Sprinkle flour in the pan and mix until everything is coated and a paste is formed.
Slowly add the white wine (I prefer a super dry wine)
Let this cook over low heat until sauce has thickened to the consistency of a pudding.
Meanwhile, blanch the asparagus and put the pasta in to cook..
Once the wine has thickened add the milk and again let thicken to the consistency of a pudding.
Finally slowly add the cream mixing well. Cook until just slightly thickened (about 2 minutes).
Throw blanched asparagus (make sure to dry it) and parmesan in the sauce and toss .
Once pasta is done and drained, toss with sauce, top with the fried prosciutto and almonds and serve.

Serves 4




Okay yet again, I have to implore you to go to visit these blogs:


Cate at http://tribecayummymummy-cate.blogspot.com/ . She has a carrot-apple-ginger spread you don?t want to miss!

Five Star Foodie http://fivestarfoodie.blogspot.com/ she has a poblano, and cheddar cheese soufflé that looks and sounds do good I can?t stand myself right now.

Finally, Joie De Vivre at http://joiedevivreanamateurgourmetsguide.blogspot.com/ . She has to recent posts you don?t want to miss, clams in a red sauce and some sourdough that looks?. mmm,mmm good!