Better Than Bacon

I bought a big package of Speck Prosciutto at Costco (12 oz. for $7) last week, and I have to say it is one of my new favorites. (I must add that a few weeks ago my friend T and I went to Costco. Her first time, and she asked if I had ever tried the Speck from Costco. I had never even noticed the Speck but after that day I kept thinking of all the great things I could make with it, so on my next trip, I bought some. So yes T, if you are reading this, try the Speck!) I added a few slices to a fresh veggie pizza, and grilled it around fresh asparagus twice. Super easy, but really yummy!

All I did was wash and trim the Asparagus, then wrap 1 piece of the Speck (bacon could be used instead) around the Asparagus and refrigerate for an hour (to firm up the ham so it stays wrapped around the asparagus), then grill or broil. Grill them turning occasionally just until the Asparagus turns bright green but not mushy and the tops are crisp, about 5-7 minutes. I grilled one batch on my grill pan and 1 batch on the charcoal grill, both were great. No salt necessary because of all the salt in the meat. For my vegetarian relatives I would skip the meat but brush the Asparagus lightly with Olive oil, sprinkle with salt and pepper, then grill or broil.

I served this as a side, but it would make a great appetizer!