Lady And Sons Asparagus Sandwich - Paula Deen - cooking recipe

Ingredients

8 -10 fresh asparagus spears, washed and trimmed
2 tablespoons butter, divided
salt and pepper (or lemon pepper)
2 slices pumpernickel bread
2 slices monterey jack cheese
1 -2 tablespoon thousand island dressing (recipe follows)
3 slices red onions, cut into rings
Dressing
1 1/2 cups mayonnaise
1 hard-boiled egg, crushed finely
1 cup ketchup
1/4 cup dill relish
salt and pepper
lemon pepper

Preparation

First,blanch the asparagus spears in boiling, salted water for 1 minute. Remove immediately to a bowl of ice water.
Melt 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add asparagus and saute lightly. Season with the salt and pepper, or lemon pepper. Remove asparagus from pan and set aside. Butter 2 pieces of the pumpernickle bread with the remaining 1 tablespoon butter. Place the bread in the same skillet, buttered side down, and grill on 1 side. Flip bread and place 1 piece of cheese on each slice of bread. Grill until cheese is melted and then remove from pan. Spread desired amount of dressing on top of each slice of bread. Arrange asparagus on top of cheese, rotating the spears. Place onion rings on top of asparagus. Cut sandwich in half. Garnish with pickle slices or parsley, if desired. Enjoy!
In a medium bowl, mix all ingredients together. Season with salt, pepper, and lemon pepper, to taste. Store it in an air-tight container and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Yield: 2 3/4 cups.