Crab and Asparagus in Puff Pastry

The elegance of this crab and asparagus recipe belies it ease of preparation. I particularly like to enjoy it as brunch while sitting out on the patio on warm spring day. Add a glass of white wine, or even champagne, and you have a perfect meal. (Larger image.) Serves 2.

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups cooked crab; picked over
• 6 spears asparagus; woody ends trimmed and cut into 1" pieces
• 4 puff pastry shells
• 2 Tbsp. butter
• 1 md. shallot; sliced
• 1/4 cup clam juice
• 1/4 cup white wine
• 2 Tbsp. brandy
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• Salt to taste
• Pinch of cayenne

Preparation:

1. Cook pastry shells according to package directions.

2. Cook asparagus pieces until tender. Shock in cold water to stop cooking.

3. Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add shallots and cook two minutes.

4. Add clam juice and reduce by half.

5. Add wine and brandy and reduce liquid by half.

6. Add cream, salt and cayenne and reduce by half. Add crab and asparagus and heat thoroughly.

7. Spoon into shells and serve.

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