Asparagus likely isn’t at the top of your list of favorite food indulgences, but if prepared correctly this nutrient-rich vegetable can be quite tasty. Here are 4 simple tips for cooking asparagus that will make you excited to eat your veggies.

1. Peel thick asparagus before cooking. Thin asparagus can be prepared as-is, but thick asparagus contains hard, wood-like areas on the exterior that must first be peeled off. Use a standard vegetable peeler and start from about 2 inches from the bottom of the stem.
2. Cut off the hard base. If you’ve ever bitten into the hard, sour base of the asparagus, you understand why this step is so important. Before cooking, take a sharp knife and chop off an inch or so of the bottom of each piece.
3. Choose a cooking style. Roasting asparagus with olive oil creates a crunchy exterior and tender interior, while steaming it or simmering it creates a softer texture that’s also a bit lower in fat. No matter which cooking technique you choose, be sure to add simple herbs and spices for added flavor.
4. Add a topping or sauce. If you prefer even more flavor on your asparagus, there are a number of different sauces or toppings for every type of meal. A sweet chili sauce perfectly complements the earthy taste of the asparagus, while a creamy Hollandaise is ideal with fish, chicken or even your morning eggs.

How to Cook Asparagus [Better Homes and Gardens]
Asparagus [BBC Good Food]
How to Cook Asparagus [Asparagus-Lover.com]

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr/Joy

Located just a short trip from Avana Woodridge, The Olive Oil Restaurant is an authentic dining experience in the heart of the Woodlands. The dimly lit, rustic interior is full of comfortable tables large enough for the whole family, and guests are always greeted warmly at the door by one of the friendly servers.

The wine list is very impressive, and the menu is just as large. Specials change daily, but traditional favorites like grape leaves, moussaka, gyros, and cheese pies always stay the same. The Olive Oil Restaurant serves a number of beef, lamb, and seafood platters with your choice of traditional sides like arakas or bamies. Best of all, the restaurant hosts live music and belly dancing evenings on weekends complete with the tradition of breaking plates and shouting “Opa!”

The Olive Oil Restaurant
373 Sawdust Road
The Woodlands, TX 77380
(281) 367-0114
www.oliveoilgreekrestaurant.com
www.yelp.com/biz/the-olive-oil-restaurant-the-woodlands

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr/jurvetson

With its clean lines, bright pops of color, and timeless look, there’s a lot to love about modern furniture. This style has seen a major resurgence among design enthusiasts, and lucky for you, there are a number of affordable websites that offer stylish modern furniture. Here are some of the best:

West Elm
Fans of modern furniture look to the expertly arranged displays in West Elm stores for design inspiration, but if you don’t have a location in your area, the retailer's online store is just as inspiring. From tufted headboards to mid-century inspired buffets with slim wooden legs, West Elm is a fairly affordable option for modern furniture pieces and home decor items.

Design Within Reach
Design Within Reach aims to reintroduce the iconic styles of designers like Herman Miller into today’s furniture market. The online shop carries beloved pieces like Eames chairs, and it even offers items from up-and-coming modern furniture designers.

CB2
CB2 operates as the modern sister company of Crate & Barrel, and its price points are a bit lower, as well. Large-scale furniture pieces like bed frames, sectional sofas, and dressers are mixed in with industrial light fixtures, geographic-print linens, and other modern decor items on this easy-to-navigate site.

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr/Wicker Furniture