Instructions

  1. Butter a shallow broiler-proof casserole dish.
  2. Cook the fresh asparagus in boiling lightly salted water until crisp-tender (about 3-4 minutes) drain and plunge into cool water, drain again and pat dry well with paper towels.
  3. Arrange the asparagus spears in a buttered baking dish.
  4. Set oven to broil heat.
  5. In a bowl beat butter with Parmesan cheese, basil, garlic, lemon juice and black pepper until well combined, then season with salt.
  6. Dollup/drop the butter mixture over the asparagus in the baking dish by heaping teaspoonfuls.
  7. Broil until topping browns (watch closely to avoid burning!) about 2-3 minutes.
  8. Best served hot.