Ham Asparagus Roll-ups

It’s spring when you see fresh asparagus showing up in the stores, and knowing this wonderful vegetable has come into season is a highlight of my year!

I’m happy to pass along Ham Asparagus Roll-ups.  Another of my easy favorites, these roll-ups can be used as an appetizer, a side dish, or just to have on hand for a healthy, low-calorie snack.  A writer friend served these a number of years ago at a day-long brainstorming session we had, and I fell in love at first bite.  I’ve been making them ever since.

Keep the ham lean, the cream cheese fat-free, and the asparagus fresh, and you can munch all day long on these keepers.  Make a plate and keep a pile in the fridge.  Just grab and go.

Note:  I buy my ham in the lunch meat section at Kroger’s.  They’re cut in rectangular slices, the perfect size and a bit thicker than shaved in the deli.  If you buy at the deli, just ask the clerk to adjust the width.  Too thin, and the ham will tear while spreading with the cream cheese.

Make as many or as few as you like!

Ham Asparagus Roll-ups

Ingredients

• Ham slices (not too thin!)
• Cream cheese, softened
• Asparagus spears

Instructions

1. Trim asparagus.
2. To blanch, place in boiling water for 2 minutes, remove with strainer and immediately immerse in a bowl of ice water.
3. When cooled, dry with paper towels.
4. Spread each slice of ham with cream cheese. (If ham is damp, blot with paper towel)
5. Lay asparagus spear at one end of ham and roll up.
6. Keep refrigerated.