Asparagus Salad

2 pounds asparagus (tough ends removed)

3-4 tablespoons sesame seeds

1½ tablespoons sugar

1½ tablespoons soy sauce

¼ teaspoon salt

Blanch asparagus in salted boiling water and cut into 1-inch pieces and set aside.

Toast sesame seeds in a small frying pan on low to medium heat. They pop when they are toasted. Grind sesame seeds in a food processor, clean bean grinder or blender.

In a large bowl, combine ground sesame seeds, sugar, soy sauce and salt. Add asparagus in the bowl and toss right before serving.

Serves four to six.

Cooks note: If I am bringing this somewhere, I put the dressing on before I leave the house. It is OK that way, too.