Asparagus with Tangerine & Sesame Seed Dressing

This dressing is also good on mixed Asian salad greens, such as baby bok
choy, pea shoots or mizuna. Nutrition Bonus: Asparagus is a good source of folic acid,
a B vitamin now known to be important for reducing the risk of strokes and heart attacks.

Makes 4 servings

Ingredients

1 tsp peanut oil or olive oil
1 tbsp sesame seeds
2 tbsp chopped shallots
1 1/2 tsp grated tangerine zest or orange zest
1 cup fresh tangerine juice or orange juice
1 tbsp sherry vinegar or rice vinegar
1 1/2 tsp reduced-sodium soy sauce
1 1/2 pounds asparagus, trimmed
2 tbsp chopped fresh chives or scallion greens

In a small saucepan, heat oil over low heat. Add sesame seeds and stir until
lightly toasted, about 20 seconds. Add shallots and stir until soft, about 1 minute.
Add citrus zest and juice, vinegar and soy sauce. Simmer until reduced to 1/2 cup,
about 6 minutes. Place asparagus in a large steamer set in a large pot over
simmering water. Cover and cook just until tender, about 5 minutes. Just before
serving, stir chives or scallion greens into the sauce. Divide asparagus among
4 salad plates, spon on the sauce and serve.

POINTS:  2

PER SERVING: 95 Calories, 3 g Total Fat, 0.3 g Saturated Fat,
0 mg Cholesterol, 75 mg Sodium, 15 g Total Carbohydrate,
2 g Dietary Fiber, 6 g Protein