Ingredients

• 1 pound fresh asparagus spears
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 3 tablespoons pine nuts
• 1/2 teaspoon dried whole basil
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon dried whole oregano
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• Pepper, freshly ground
• 1 clove garlic, crushed

Instructions

1. Snap off tough ends of asparagus. Remove scales from stalks with knife or vegetable peeler, if desired. Place spears in a steaming rack over boiling water; cover and steam 4-5 minutes or until spears are crisp-tender. Transfer to a serving platter.
2. Sauté pine nuts in a small skillet over medium heat 2-3 minutes, until browned. Set aside.
3. Combine olive oil and remaining ingredients in a medium saucepan; stir with a wire whisk to blend. Cook over medium heat for 2 to 3 minutes or until thoroughly heated, stirring constantly. Pour over asparagus. Sprinkle with pine nuts.\
4.  Let stand to room temperature before serving.