Something seems strange about this

You know, you can't love everything. I tried this recipe because my sexy husband loves pasta, lemon, asparagus, and white sauces. Besides, just because we are eating more meat now doesn't mean that we have to have meat in every meal. But this "Jaw-droppingly delicious asparagus penne" was really...weird. When I first tasted the sauce I thought that there must be something wrong/missing. The flavor did grow on me, but I don't think I really need to make it again.

If you feel like taking the plunge, I'll give you a head's up that I thought it would be better with some chicken....


Jaw droppingly delicious asparagus penne

1 lb thin asparagus, trimmed of woody ends

1lb whole wheat penne (I'm usually not a big fan of whole wheat pasta, but was good here)

1 Tbsp olive oil

2 Tbps butter

2 large garlic cloves

2 Tbsp flour

3/4 c vegetable stock

3/4 c half and half

2 Tbsp dijon mustard (maybe this is where I went wrong, I used an apple cider vinegar mustard)

2 tps lemon zest

Black pepper

2 Tbsp fresh tarragon, finely chopped (I had never used tarragon before. it has a licorice-like flavor)

Juice of 1 lemon

Grated Parm Cheese (the real stuff)

Before you cook the pasta, when the water is at a boil, blanch the asparagus for 2 minutes and chop into 2 inch pieces. Then cook pasta to al dente (of course).

For sauce: melt butter and oil in skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and cook gently for 2 min. You don't want to brown the garlic. Sprinkle flour into skillet and cook for 1 min, stirring. Whisk in stock, half and half, mustard, lemon zest, salt, pepper, and tarragon. Cook for 2-3 min until thickened. Add lemon juice and combine with asparagus and pasta. Top with cheese.

Was there any reason for me to type this recipe? With my overwhelming endorsement, is anyone going to try it?