Meatless Monday: Avocado and Asparagus Egg Sandwiches

Finally a new Meatless Monday! I really enjoyed this one the other night. A nice, light, spring time meal! Nothing screams spring like asparagus!

This is from Better Homes and Gardens March 2012.

Ingredients

• 1/2 pound green, white, and/or purple asparagus, trimmed
• 1 avocado, halved, seeded, peeled, and chopped
• 1 teaspoon lime juice
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 4 eggs
• 8 slice white, wheat, or brioche bread
• 8 slice crisp-cooked bacon (just be wakin' with the fakin' bacon to keep this meatless)
  
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

1. Place asparagus in a single layer in a shallow baking pan. Cover with about 2 cups of boiling water. Let stand for 10 to 12 minutes, until bright green and crisp-tender. Drain. Finely chop three of the asparagus spears; set aside. (I wasn't thrilled with this method. It was still a tad too crisp for me. Next time I'll just steam it as usual)

2. In a small bowl mash avocado with lime juice. Stir in chopped asparagus; set aside.

3. In a large skillet melt butter over medium heat. Break eggs into skillet. Lightly sprinkle with salt and pepper. Reduce heat to medium-low. Cook eggs for 6 minutes, until whites are completely set and yolks begin to thicken. If desired, turn eggs, to fully cook the yolks.

4. Meanwhile, toast the bread. Spread avocado-asparagus on four slices. Lightly sprinkle with salt. Layer bacon, egg, asparagus, and remaining bread.