Ingredients

  • 1 teaspoon green peppercorns, drained
  • 1/2 cup Lemon-Mustard-Tarragon Vinaigrette, recipe follows
  • 1 1/2 pounds medium-thick asparagus, trimmed
  • Olive oil, for brushing
  • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • Sixteen 1-inch-thick slices Italian or French bread
  • Canola oil, for brushing
  • 4 ounces goat cheese, optional
  • Zest and juice of 1 large lemon
  • 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh tarragon
  • 1 teaspoon clover honey
  • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/2 cup olive oil or canola oil

Method

  • Heat a charcoal or gas grill to medium-high.
  • Whisk the green peppercorns into the vinaigrette.
  • Set aside.
  • Brush the asparagus with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
  • Grill until golden brown on all sides and crisp-tender, 4 to 5 minutes total.
  • Remove from the grill, cut into 1- to 2-inch pieces, and toss with some of the vinaigrette.
  • Brush the bread on one side with canola oil and season with salt and pepper.
  • Grill, oiled-side down, until light golden brown and crisp, about 1 minute.
  • Flip, and grill a few seconds more, just enough to warmthe bread should still be tender when pressed.
  • Top the toasted bread with some asparagus.
  • Scatter the goat cheese, if using, on top and serve immediately.
  • In a medium bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, zest, mustard, tarragon, honey, and a little salt and pepper.
  • Gradually whisk in the olive oil until emulsified.
  • Yield: about 1 cup