I have always been rather fearful of asparagus.  I never know just how to cook it, and usually end up chopping it raw into a salad.  This time I experimented with roasting and was quite pleased.


1 bunch fresh asparagus, trimmed
cooking spray or butter
salt and pepper to taste
2 tablespoons butter
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar



Preheat your oven to 400 degrees.  Arrange the asparagus on a baking sheet and coat with cooking spray.  Sprinkle with salt and pepper.



Bake asparagus 12 minutes in the preheated oven.  Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Remove from heat, and stir in soy sauce and balsamic vinegar. Pour over the baked asparagus to serve.