1/2 tsp. freshly ground pepper

24 asparagus spears

1 T. olive oil

1 to 2 T. snipped fresh dill

1 8-oz. package reduced-fat cream cheese (Neufchatel)

1/4 tsp. salt

8 long fresh chives

2 T. snipped chives

1 T. lemon juice

1 clove garlic, minced

2 T. milk

8 dried lasagna noodles

6 oz. thinly sliced smoked salmon

 

In a small mixing bowl combine cream cheese, snipped chives, milk, dill, garlic, lemon juice, and pepper; set aside. In a large pot bring 3 quarts water and the olive oil to boiling; add salt and lasagna noodles. Cook noodles for 10 to 12 minutes or until pasta is nearly tender. Meanwhile, snap off and discard woody bases of asparagus. If necessary, trim asparagus to 5-inch lengths. Add asparagus to pasta; cook 3 minutes more. Drain; rinse with cold water. Drain again and pat pasta dry with paper towels. Spread about 2 T. of the cream cheese mixture evenly over each lasagna noodle. Divide salmon evenly among the noodles, placing a single layer of salmon on each noodle. Place 3 asparagus spears on one end of each noodle, letting the tips extend beyond the edge. Roll up each noodle. Tie with a fresh chive. Stand spring rolls upright to serve, if desired. Makes 8 side-dish servings.