Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus Bundles

EGG-FREE, NIGHTSHADE-FREE, NUT-FREE

The first time I made this dish was for a Christmas party we hosted at our house for friends and family. Despite it being an incredibly simple dish, it was the first thing to go—and left everyone wishing they had grabbed an extra bundle or two when they had the chance. The next year, I doubled the recipe, and everyone was happy.

Makes 3 servings (2 bundles per serving)

Prep time: 10 minutes

Cooking time: 20 minutes

1 pound asparagus, tough ends trimmed

6 bacon slices

1 tablespoon coconut oil or ghee, melted

1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar

¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

⅛ teaspoon garlic powder

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil.

2. Separate the asparagus into six even bundles. Wrap one piece of bacon tightly around each bundle, starting 1 inch from the bottom of the asparagus. Place the bundles on the prepared baking sheet.

3. In a small bowl, whisk together the coconut oil and vinegar and pour over the bundles. Sprinkle the bundles evenly with the pepper and garlic powder.

4. Roast for 20 minutes, until the asparagus is tender and the bacon is crisp.