Asparagus with Orange Sauce

4 lbs. asparagus

1/2 cup butter

1/2 cup minced shallots

2 1/2 tsp. Dijon mustard

2 2/3 cups fresh orange juice

In large fry pan bring 1" water to boil. Add asparagus, reduce heat and simmer, uncovered until barely tender. Place asparagus on serving platter and keep warm

In 2 qt pan, melt 2 T. butter. Add shallots and cook stirring for 1 min. Add mustard and juice, and boil, uncovered until reduced to 1 1/3 cups (about 5 min).

Reduce heat add remaining butter all at once and cook, stirring constantly until butter is melted and sauce is smooth.

Spoon sauce over asparagus and garnish with strips of orange peel if desired.

Serves 12