Roasted Asparagus Bundles

NEED:

32 thin asparagus spears
1 package(s) (4 ounces) sliced panchetta
Freshly ground black pepper

Place a large baking sheet with sides on bottom rack of oven; heat oven to 450 degrees F. Trim asparagus spears to 6-inch lengths, using a knife or snapping ends off with your hands.

For each bundle, wrap half a pancetta slice around the middle of 2 asparagus spears.

When all 16 bundles are assembled, carefully remove the hot baking sheet from oven. Arrange bundles, evenly spaced, on sheet. Roast 5 minutes. Turn bundles over with tongs. Continue to roast 5 minutes, or until pancetta is crisp and asparagus tender.

To serve, transfer bundles to a plate and finish with a grinding of fresh pepper. Bundles can be served hot, warm, or at room temperature.

ENJOY!