Fresh Asparagus with Ham, Garlic and Lemon

Bring a pot of salted water to a rapid boil. Add trimmed asparagus and cook for 2 minutes. Remove with a strainer and quickly plunge into ice water. Once completely chilled, remove from the water and reserve.

In a sauté pan, over medium heat, cooked the ham in the olive oil for a couple minutes, or until lightly browned. Add the sliced garlic and cook for one minute more. Add a couple tablespoons of water to deglaze the pan, and add the asparagus. Use tongs to toss the asparagus in the hot flavorful ham and garlic oil for a few minutes, or until heated through.

Transfer to a serving dish and squeeze over the fresh lemon juice. If desired, season with salt and fresh ground black pepper to taste, but depending on what you used, the ham may have provided enough seasoning.