white clam sauce

Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to boil over high heat. Cook pasta following package directions. Add asparagus during last 4 minutes of cooking. Drain.

While pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and cook for 2 minutes, until just starting to color, stirring so that garlic does not burn.

Add clam juice and cook 1 minute. Stir in drained clams, lemon juice, cherry peppers and salt. Cook 1 minute or until heated through. Stir in butter and parsley.

Toss the pasta and asparagus with the sauce. Drizzle with additional olive oil if desired. Serve immediately.