SKINNY Appetizer: Asparagus Wrapped in Crisp Prosciutto
Don’t you just love appetizers? I’ve often thought that I could probably survive quite happily on appetizers – and desserts! Of course, many of our favorites are heavy on the calories and resulting guilt. It seems like I have to either “watch or wear” everything I put into my mouth these days. So it’s good to find an appetizer that isn’t loaded down with calories. I love asparagus (even though my husband will not eat this “weed”) and I have fond memories of being with my dad when he would stop his truck on the side of the road (farming country in South Dakota) to pick the wild asparagus that was ready. So delicious! This one is one of my favorites!
Here’s what you will need:
1+ tablespoon olive oil
16 spears asparagus, washed and trimmed
16 slices prosciutto*
Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F . Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil, and lightly coat or spray with olive oil.
Wrap one slice of prosciutto around each asparagus spear, starting at the bottom, and spiraling upward. Place the wrapped spears on the prepared baking sheet. Spray or drizzle lightly with olive oil.
Bake for 5 minutes in the preheated oven. Remove, and turn the asparagus spears over so both sides can crisp. Return to the oven for another 5 minutes, or until asparagus is tender, and prosciutto is crisp. Serve immediately.
*I chose not to use full slices of prosciutto around each asparagus spear but instead used smaller pieces (see pic). It was enough to offer the full flavor without the extra calories. Delicious!
