50 Shades of Grill: Bacon-wrapped asparagus

Asparagus is an underrated vegetable. Pair it with citrus, herbs and bacon, and it may give your main course a run for the money. This simple recipe takes it to another level with the addition of fresh blood orange.

Ingredients

• 2 pounds small to medium asparagus
• 1/2 pound thinly-sliced bacon
• Finely-grated zest and juice of 1 blood orange
• 2 teaspoons coarse-grained mustard
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• Kosher salt
• Coarse ground pepper
• 2 teaspoons chopped thyme

1. Tightly wrap three asparagus spears in a slice of bacon, until all asparagus has been bundled, and refrigerate 30 minutes.
2. Bring a charcoal grill to medium-high heat.
3. In a small bowl, stir the orange zest and juice with the mustard and olive oil; season with salt and pepper.
4. Grill the asparagus, turning often to not burn bacon, until they are just tender and the bacon is crisp, about 5 minutes total.
5. Move the asparagus to a serving platter and drizzle with orange/mustard sauce.
6. Sprinkle with the chopped thyme. Serve immediately.

Happy Grilling!