Brown Sugar Asparagus

Prep time: 8 minutes
Cooking time: 16 minutes
Serves 6 (or less if you love it like we do)

Ingredients:
2 pounds fresh asparagus spears
3 T butter
2 T firmly packed light brown sugar
3/4 c chicken broth
Orange zest strips, optional for garnish

Directions:
1.  Snap off the thick woody ends of the asparagus spears and discard.
2.  Heat the butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat until melted.  Stir in brown sugar.  Cook, stirring continually, until brown sugar dissolves.
3.  Add the asparagus to the brown sugar mixture, turning to coat.  Sautee for 2 minutes.
4.  Add the chicken broth to the skillet.  Bring to a boil; reduce heat.  Simmer, covered, until the asparagus is crisp-tender, about 8 to 10 minutes.  Transfer the asparagus with a slotted spoon to a serving platter, reserving the pan juices in the skillet.  Cover asparagus to keep warm.
5.  Cook reserved pan juices in the skillet over medium-high heat, stirring frequently, until reduced by half.  Drizzle over the asparagus.  Garnish with orange zest strips, if desire.  Serve immediately.

*I love asparagus.  My husband and I can usually finish the whole plate (the kiddos help a little bit).  Definitely a treasured recipe!