Skillet Asparagus with Bacon

Place a rack in the top third of the oven and preheat oven to 400°F.

In a cast iron skillet, over medium heat, lightly brown bacon, rendering a good amount of the fat. Do not brown the bacon too much or it may overcook when the skillet is transferred to the oven. Turn off the burner.

Using a large spoon, tilt the skillet and remove a large amount of the bacon fat. Add asparagus stalks to the bacon, season with salt and pepper, and toss the asparagus to coat in the little remaining bacon grease.

Melt the butter in the microwave or in a small sauce pan. Add onion and garlic to the melted butter and mix well. Spoon the buttered onion and garlic over the asparagus to cover, but do not stir it in.

Transfer the skillet to the oven and cook the asparagus for 6–8 minutes or to desired tenderness. Turn on the broiler for 2–3 minutes to obtain some good roasting color.

Remove from the oven and serve warm.