Asparagus Bundles

This recipe is addictive if you love asparagus and bacon.  I would also recommend using the sauce on brussel sprouts, I think it would be delicious.  Asparagus always reminds me of spring and I made this for Easter (although it didn't feel like spring).  If you prefer to not use the sauce you could drizzle this with olive oil or balsamic vinaigrette and still get the same results.  But you really need the bacon. Enjoy!

2 pounds fresh asparagus, ends trimmed
12 slices bacon
1/2 cup light brown sugar
1/2 cup (1 stick) butter
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1/2 teaspoon garlic salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.

Divide the asparagus spears into 12 bundles. Carefully wrap 1 piece of bacon around each bundle, starting about 1/2 inch from the bottom of the tips. Secure the bacon-wrapped spears with a toothpick. Lay the bundles in a low-sided casserole dish.

In a medium saucepan, combine the brown sugar, butter, soy sauce, garlic salt and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil. Pour the hot sugar mixture over the asparagus bundles. Transfer the dish to the oven and roast until the spears have begun to wilt and the bacon looks fully cooked, about 25 minutes. Remove the toothpicks before serving.

Original recipe: http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/trisha-yearwood/asparagus-bundles-recipe/index.html