Delicious Asparagus with Cheese Sauce

1 1/2 lbs asparagus
3 cups of water
2 TBS butter
2 TBS flour
salt and pepper
1/2 cup grated parmesan
1/2 cup grated Monterrey Jack cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan for topping

Place water in large skillet, bring to boil.  Cut ends from asparagus, and add ends to water.  Boil covered for 5 minutes, use a slotted spoon to remove ends and throw away.  Add asparagus stalks to water, bring back to boil and cook 4 - 6 minutes, until asparagus is tender.  Remove asparagus from water and place on paper towels to absorb the water.

Pour up 1 cup of the asparagus water and set aside, you can dispose of the rest.

In same skillet, melt butter.  Add flour and whisk well.  Add one cup of asparagus water, and continue to whisk as it thickens.  Turn heat down to medium low, cover, and allow to simmer for 5 minutes. 

Meanwhile, place asparagus in baking dish or cookie sheet if you don't have a good baking dish for boiling(sprayed with cooking oil).

Preheat oven to broil, move rack up to center of oven.  Remove water, flour and butter from heat, and stir in cheeses.  Allow to sit covered for 5 minutes.  Pour over center of asparagus, sprinkle remaining parmesan on top, and salt and pepper to taste.  Place in oven for 4-8 minutes, just until cheese sauce starts to brown.

Amazing Sweet and Spicy Chicken/Bacon Recipe

This one can be done on the grill or in the oven.  I tried it in the oven, and think I would prefer it that way because of the juices produced - it doesn't dry out.

4 skinless boneless chicken breasts
1 lb bacon
Chili powder
Garlic powder
salt and pepper
brown sugar

Cut each chicken breast into 3 strips.  Sprinkle generously with chili and garlic powder, salt and pepper to taste.  Wrap a slice of bacon around each chicken strip, then roll completely in brown sugar.

Prepare a baking dish by coating with olive oil or cooking spray.  Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

Place chicken/bacon strips in baking dish, not touching.  Put in oven and cook for 40 minutes.  When you remove from oven, remove chicken to serving dish to minimize grease.