Baked Asparagus Fries w/ Spicy Garlic Dipping Sauce

I found this scrumptious treasure in the Costco magazine. Recipe is courtesy of Jerry James Stone, give him a big thank you for sharing this excellent recipe. Even folks who do not normally like asparagus heartily eat these tender stalks of deliciousness.

It's a bit of time prepping them,  but oh so worth it!

I altered the dipping sauce recipe a bit to cut back on fat and it's still delish!



SPICY GARLIC DIPPING SAUCE

1. 1/4 cup Reduced Fat Mayonnaise 
2. 2 Garlic Cloves, minced
3. 1 tsp Lemon juice
4. 1/2 tsp. Paprika
5. 1/4 tsp. Cayenne pepper
6. 1/4 cup Greek Yogurt, non - fat plain

ASPARAGUS & BREADING

1. 1 cup Panko Bread Crumbs
2. 3/4 cup finely grated Parmesan Cheese
3. 1/4 cup Flour
4. 2 eggs, beaten
5. 1 lb fresh Asparagus, fat stalks work better

• Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Meanwhile prepare Asparagus
• You will need 3 shallow plates. Combine Panko & Parmesan on one plate, then on another plate sift the flour, then the egg mixture on the third plate.

• Wash Asparagus and break off tough ends, it should snap at the right spot on it's own when you bend it. Lay stalks on top of a clean towel or paper towels, leaving them damp.
• Dredge into flour tapping off excess flour with each stalk, then dredge into eggs, then roll into Panko bread crumb mixture.
• Place single file on a GREASED baking sheet being careful not to let them touch
• Bake for 10 - 12 minutes or until golden brown. My oven took 14 minutes.
• While you are baking Asparagus mix together the dipping sauce. Or you may make this in advance earlier in the day, it let's the flavors meld more.

This a a great appetizer or even as a nice side vegetable.