Creamy Asparagus Spread

I have been staring at this box of Ritz Roasted Vegetable crackers for almost a week now. Do I open this box of crackers and eat them plain, or do I wait until I find the perfect topper? I decided to wait. What can you put on top of a Ritz other than the original slice of cheese? I have finally come to the conclusion that a roasted vegetable Ritz needs to be topped with a vegetable, DUH!! This asparagus spread compliments the roasted vegetable cracker perfectly.





I know I am a little out of season with the asparagus, but who says you have to eat seasonal anyway??? This is made with canned asparagus, so it can be enjoyed anytime of the year. If you like asparagus, you will love this spread.

You should see all the vitamins that asparagus carries. WOWSERS!! Vitamins A, C, B6, and riboflavin, niacin, folate, potassium, copper and manganese. Asparagus is also a good source of fiber, protein, thiamin, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, zinc, and selenium. No wonder it tastes so good, it has got "nutrition" and "healthy eating" written all over it.





Oh yeah, do you see the disposable cutting sheet?? AWRRR....AWRRR...AWRRR....Just had to throw that in there.


Creamy Asparagus Spread

1 (15 oz can) asparagus tips, drained (I used Green Giant)
1 (8 oz package) cream cheese, softened
1/2 c. finely chopped almonds
3 TBS mayonnaise (I used Hellmann's with olive oil)
1 TBS finely minced purple onion
1/4 tsp. crushed garlic (I used the crushed garlic in the jar)

Mash asparagus in bowl (I used my pastry blender to mash mine, worked great); Pour off any remaining liquid (you have to leave it sit for a little bit before you can do this step). Mix in the cream cheese, almonds, mayonnaise, onion, and garlic until thoroughly blended. Cover, and refrigerate until serving time.





Here is another kitchen gadget that I just cannot live without. When a recipe calls for minced onion, that is what you get after using this shiny little chopper. Sean picked this up for me at the chef store in Fort Wayne. He is always thinking about me :-)


Good Luck~Happy Eating~Enjoy