Bacon Wrapped Asparagus

I already loved asparagus but wrapping it in bacon takes it to another level. You have to cook the bacon a little before wrapping it around the asparagus to make sure it gets extra crispy. The best thing about this recipe is that there are just a few simple ingredients and it is super easy to put together. The results are super delicious and sure to impress! It is also naturally gluten and dairy free!

Asparagus is definitely one of my favorite vegetables and it has many great health benefits. Asparagus is full of antioxidants and fiber which can promote weight loss and help your body fight off harmful free radicals. Interestingly, asparagus can also help with hangovers because it helps protect the liver and flush out harmful toxins like alcohol. It also has many helpful vitamins that can strengthen the immune system and help improve mood. I love picking up asaparagus from the farmers market and always try to find the thickest asparagus because it turns out the best!

Ingredients:

• 1 lb bacon

• 1 bunch asparagus

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 1 tsp salt

• 1/2 tsp pepper

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• Optional: lemon juice for topping

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F. Line two large baking sheets with tin foil.

2. Evenly lay out the bacon on the two baking sheets. Once the oven is heated to 425, cook the bacon for 10 to 12 minutes. You want the bacon to start cooking but to be soft enough that you can still wrap it around the asparagus.

3. In the meantime, rinse and cut or snap the dead ends off of the asparagus. Place the asparagus in a large bowl and drizzle with the olive oil.

4. Sprinkle the asparagus with the salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Carefully toss the asparagus until it is full coated with the oil and spices.

5. Remove the bacon from the oven and move it to a plate with a paper towel so some of the fat drains. Allow to cool for a few minutes. Clean off one of the pans and place a new piece of tinfoil on it.

6. Once the bacon is cool enough to handle, wrap 1 piece of bacon around 2 pieces of asparagus. Wrap in a coil like fashion so that most of the bacon is exposed and easily cooks.

7. Place all of the bacon wrapped asparagus evenly on the pan and place back into the 425 degree F oven for 15 to 20 minutes until the asparagus is al dente and the bacon is the crispness you prefer.

8. Remove from the oven and serve warm. Squeeze a little lemon juice over the asparagus if you would like and enjoy!