So Big and Asparagus in Orange Sauce

"I used to get 25 cents each for sketching hats...at Bernsteins."

Edna Ferber won a Pulitzer Prize in 1925 for her novel "So Big".  It tells the story of a group of Dutch farmers who settle outside of Chicago.  There are three movie versions of the book.  

This quote is from the 1932 adaption starring Barbara Stanwyck as the farm wife and Bette Davis in a supporting role as an artist and illustrator.  It was 1932 and Bette Davis' character was asking for $1500 for an illustration for a big company that 'So Big' works for.  A lot of money, which is why she refers back to the days when she sketched hats for 25 cents each.  That would be a lot of hats to sketch. 

As with all the movies made in the 1930's, there is great style.  Miss Stanwyck and Miss Davis are both so young, a treat to see them developing their trademark ways.  And good hat-watching.

The family farmed asparagus and it became so well known that it was mentioned by name on the menus of top restaurants.  Very much like the trend today of knowing who is growing your food.  One of my favorite sauces to cook with asparagus is made from oranges.  Delicious with a Niman Ranch pork chop.

Asparagus in Orange Sauce

serves 4 people

1 lb. asparagus spears
3 tbs. olive oil
1 baby fennel bulb, thinly sliced
1 shallot, chopped fine
juice of 2 oranges
zest of 1 orange
1/2 cup white wine
1 tbs. fresh thyme leaves
1/2 tsp. salt

Wash the asparagus, trim 1/2" off the bottom of the spears, peel the bottom half of the asparagus spears with a vegetable peeler.  Steam the asparagus for 5-7 minutes until just tender.  Shock them in ice water to keep them bright green.
 

In a shallow wide saucepan with a lid, heat the olive oil.  Gently sauté the fennel bulb and shallot until tender, about 10 minutes.  Add the orange juice, zest, wine, fresh thyme leaves and salt.  Simmer for 20 minutes.

When the sauce is reduced and thickened, add the asparagus and coat with the sauce.  Serve with any grilled meat. 

"So Big" has a good moral to the story that time hasn't diminished.  Appreciate art, don't be afraid of hard work and money isn't everything.  And eat your asparagus, especially with orange sauce.
 
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