Springtime Pasta with Asparagus and Morels

1 lb. Melissa’s asparagus - green, white, or a combination of both

1 ½-oz. pkg. Melissa’s dried morels*, hydrated according to pkg. directions

1 T. olive oil

1 T. butter

1 large shallot, minced

2 T. garlic, minced

1½ c. whole milk

1 c. Parmesan cheese

Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

1 Tablespoon cornstarch

1/3 c. minced fresh parsley

Juice of one lemon (about 3 T.)

8 oz. pasta of choice, I used orecchiette

Trim asparagus and cut into 2” diagonal pieces. Bring a large pot of water to a furious boil, and drop in asparagus. Return to a boil, cover, and set a timer for 3 minutes. Meanwhile, fill a large mixing bowl with ice water and grab a spider. When the timer goes off, using the spider**, remove asparagus to the ice water-filled bowl to cool, and add the pasta to the boiling water. Cook according to package directions; drain.

Drain asparagus while pasta is cooking.

Heat the oil and butter in a large skillet. Add the garlic and shallot, and sauté until translucent, approximately 3-4 minutes. Add whole milk to the skillet and whisk occasionally, bringing to a simmer; whisk in cornstarch. Stir in the Parmesan cheese, parsley, salt, and pepper. Simmer until sauce thickens slightly. Taste and adjust seasoning. Add pasta and vegetables, stirring to coat.

Just before serving, drizzle the lemon juice over the whole skillet. Serve with an additional sprinkle of parsley and Parmesan cheese.

Makes 4 main dish servings.

*If you are lucky enough to have fresh morels, by all means, use them!

**If you don’t have one, get one, you will find them invaluable. I have this one.