Spaghetti with Asparagus, Shiitake Mushrooms, Lemon and Chives

Ingredients:

12 oz spaghetti

4 tbsp butter, divided

2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil

1/2 cup thinly sliced shallots (about 4)

1 lb fresh shiitake mushrooms, stemmed and sliced

6 tbsp fresh lemon juice

1 3/4 cups vegetable broth

1 tbsp grated lemon peel

1 lb of asparagus, tough ends trimmed, cut crosswise into thirds

1/4 cup chopped fresh chives

4 oz shaved Asiago cheese

Cook spaghetti in a large pot of boiling salted water until tender but still firm to bite, stirring occasionally. Drain. Transfer pasta to large wide bowl.

Meanwhile, melt 2 tbsp butter with oil in heavy large skillet over medium heat. Add shallots; saute 1 minute; add shiitake mushrooms; sprinkle with salt and pepper. Saute shiitake mixture until soft, about 6 minutes.

Add vegetable broth and lemon peel and bring to a boil. reduce heat to medium and simmer until liquid is reduced by half, about 6 mins.

Add asparagus to shiitake mixture; simmer until asparagus turns bright green, about 2 minutes. Add chives and remaining 2 tbsp butter and stir until butter melts. Season sauce to taste with salt and pepper.

The Cooper’s.