This garlic asparagus dish is a Northern Italian side dish. Prep time: apprx. 5 minutes. Cooke time: 15 minutes. Makes 4 servings

1/4 cup butter
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp. coarse salt
1/4 tsp ground black pepper
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 lb fresh asp[aragus spears, trimmed

Melt butter in a skillet over medium-high heat.  Stir in the olive oil, salt and pepper. Cook garlic in butter for a minute but do not brown.  Add asparagus, and cook for 10 minutes turning asparagus to ensure even cooking.