Wow, 2010 surely has flown on by! Once I finally remember to write the correct year on my checks, it changes again. I wonder how far into 2011 we will be before I get it right this time?
Along with the new year comes the start of the Pantry Challenge. I'm perhaps a little more excited about it than I should be, but I'm going with it.
My goals for this challenge are:
- Spend less than $100 on groceries/household supplies each week for my family of 5
- Completely clear out my freezer
- Use up as many products as possible that are currently in my pantry
- Eat more 'pantry' recipes & teach myself plus my family that there is something to eat in the house when everyone says there isn't!
Julie, an online friend of mine, posted a picture of an Asparagus Wrap recipe she had tried that was originally from a Paula Deen magazine
- and it looked so good, and unique. Since I have embarked on this pantry challenge & had the majority of the necessary ingredients on hand to make it, I gave it a shot. 
The recipe she gave me called for steamed asparagus & Swiss cheese - but I sauteed the asparagus in a teaspoon of bacon grease & subbed an Italian cheese blend for the Swiss. I'm sure the Swiss would have been grand, but I'm trying to stick with the challenge plan & use what I already have on hand. (Hey, grand - plan - hand... I kinda rhymed!)
The result was fabulous, & I will definitely make it again & again!
Asparagus Bacon Wraps
Ingredients:
- 1 bunch asparagus
- 1 tube crescent rolls
- 8 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1/2 pound crumbled bacon (I reserved the grease to saute the asparagus in, but you can steam it if you'd like)
- 1/2 - 3/4 cup shredded white cheese, such as Swiss, Italian Blend, or Mozzarella
- Olive Oil
- Poppy Seeds
Instructions:
Quickly saute, or steam, the asparagus for just a couple minutes being careful to not overcook. It will cook longer in the oven!
Lay out the crescent roll triangles, & spread 1 tsp Dijon mustard on each - then sprinkle on cheese, then the crumbled bacon. Divide the asparagus spears equally between all 8 crescents, & roll up. Brush on a little olive oil, & garnish with poppy seeds.
Bake at 350 for about 15, or until the crescent rolls are nicely browned.
