1. Asparagus - 1 pound, stems trimmed.
   2. Water - 1 cup.

Also needed: Knife, cutting board, measuring cups, pan with lid
and a collapsible steamer basket.

Instructions:

   1. Place water in steamer (just enough, so the bottom of the
steamer basket will not touch the water), and arrange asparagus
spears in the steamer basket. Place the basket in the pan and cover.
       
   2. When water comes to a rapid boil, add the asparagus and
cook to turn it as tender as you want. (An asparagus of average
thickness will take 7 minutes; thicker stalks take more time and
very thin ones - only a few mins.)
       
   3. Add salt and pepper. Serve instantly. If you like, you may
add a little butter.