Asparagus With Tarragon Dipping Sauce - cooking recipe

Ingredients

3 lbs thin asparagus, cut into 5 inch spears
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup sour cream
2 tablespoons minced shallots
2 tablespoons chopped fresh tarragon
1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon fresh ground pepper
1 pinch ground red pepper

Preparation

Bring 4 quarts of salted water to a boil in a large pot.
Add the asparagus, return to a boil, and cook about 2 minutes or until just tender.
Rinse and drain under cold running water.
Pat asparagus dry with paper towels.
For tarragon sauce, combine the mayonnaise, sour cream, shallots, tarragon, lemon juice, salt, freshly ground pepper, and red pepper in a small bowl until well mixed.
Arrange asparagus on a platter and serve with tarragon sauce.
Makes 20 servings.
Make-Ahead Tip: Prepare asparagus and sauce as directed above.
Wrap and refrigerate asparagus and sauce for up to 24 hours.