Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Ingredients

　　3/4 pound asparagus, trimmed

　　1/2 cup water

　　1 tablespoon unsalted butter

　　2 tablespoons sliced almonds, toasted lightly

　　fresh lemon juice to taste

　　Cut asparagus diagonally into 1/2-inch pieces. In a skillet measuring about 10 inches across top simmer asparagus in water and butter, uncovered, until asparagus is crisp-tender and liquid is reduced to a glaze, about 3 minutes. Stir in almonds, lemon juice, and salt and pepper to taste.