Avoiding Additives and Preservatives

I used nitrite-free bacon instead of pancetta. Look for a red wine vinegar with no sulfites added. I use Eden Organic brand.

This side dish cooks in about 8 minutes

Asparagus and mushroom sauté with pancetta

Ingredients:

1 pkg (150 g) diced pancetta

3 shallots, sliced

3 bunches (each 450 g) asparagus, trimmed and cut in 2-1/2-inch (6 cm) pieces

2 pkg (each 227 g) cremini mushrooms, quartered

½ tsp (2 mL) pepper

Pinch salt

2 tbsp (30 mL) red wine vinegar

Preparation:

In large nonstick skillet over medium high heat, cook pancetta, stirring occasionally, until crisp, about 5 minutes.

Add shallots, asparagus, mushrooms, pepper and salt; cook, stirring occasionally, until asparagus is tender-crisp, about 8 minutes. Stir in vinegar. Serves 8-10.

From the April 2014 issue of Canadian Living