While I am thinking about vegetables--

Asparagus. Falls in my top five of vegetables. And runs in at a close tie with artichokes. Since I have never seen it actually growing (sad, I know) I thought I'd post some picks.

And here is what it looks like as a full on plant. Sheesh. So, obviously only the young shoots of asparagus are eaten.

Eating this tender veggie may help to protect against heart disease--as it contains lots of folate, as well as vitamins A, C, & E. In addition to helping your heart, folate helps cells regenerate. Plus, vitamins A, C, & E help the body to scavenge free radicals.

Found this little recipe from Cooking Light. Have to admit, never tried it. But it's on the list.

Asparagus Rafts
serving size: 1 asparagus raft. serves 4.

16 thick asparagus spears (~1 pound)
1 T low-sodium soy sauce
1 t dark sesame oil
1 garlic clove, minced
2 t sesame seeds, toasted
1/4 t black pepper
Dash of salt

Prepare grill to high heat. Snap of tough ends of asparagus. Arrange 4 asparagus spears on a flat surface. Thread 2 (3-inch) skewers horizontally through spears 1 inch from each end to form a raft. Repeat with remaining spears.

Combine soy sauce, oil, & garlic; brush evenly over asparagus rafts. Grill 3 minutes on each side or until crisp-tender. Sprinkle evenly with sesame seeds, pepper, and salt.

50 calories. 2.1g fat (0.2g sat, 0.5g mono, 0.6g poly). 3.2g protein. 6.1g carbohydrate.