Roasted Asparagus with Crispy Garlic Breadcrumbs

A delightful side dish to accompany your Thanksgiving spread.  Great flavor, crispness and a little bit of citrus!  Even the kiddos in our house love these.

Serves 4

Ingredients:

2 bunches fresh asparagus

Olive oil

Kosher salt

Black pepper

Zest and juice of 1/2 lemon

1/4 cup grated Parmesan

2 Tbsp unsalted butter

4 cloves garlic, minced

1/3 cup panko breadcrumbs

Directions:

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

Snap one asparagus to the natural breaking point.  Line up remaining asparagus next to the one you broke and trim them all.  Lay out on baking sheet.  Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper.  Bake for 12-14 minutes, depending on thickness of your asparagus.

While asparagus is cooking, prepare breadcrumbs.  Melt butter in small nonstick skillet.  Turn heat down to low.  Add garlic and breadcrumbs.  Cook, stirring frequently until lightly golden brown.  Set aside.

Place cooked asparagus on serving platter.  Zest lemon over asparagus and squeeze juice over top.  Sprinkle grated Parmesan on top.  Sprinkle golden breadcrumbs over top and add a bit more cracked black pepper.  Serve immediately.