📖 Instructions

1. Begin by prepping your asparagus. Snap off the tough ends (they'll naturally break where they need to). Lightly toss the asparagus spears with olive oil, salt, and pepper. You could roast them in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 8-10 minutes, or until tender-crisp. Alternatively, grill them for a smoky flavor – just a few minutes per side will do! I like them grilled because you get those nice char marks, but roasted works great too.
2. While the asparagus cooks, prepare your eggs. If they're not already hard-boiled, gently place them in a saucepan filled with cold water. Bring the water to a rolling boil, then immediately remove the pan from the heat, cover it, and let it sit for 10-12 minutes. This prevents that dreaded green ring around the yolk! Once cooled, peel the eggs carefully and slice them into about 1/4-inch thick rounds. Make sure you drain them well.
3. Now, for the bread. Choose a good quality crusty bread, like a baguette or a sourdough loaf. Slice it into about 1/2-inch thick pieces. Brush each slice lightly with olive oil and toast them in a pan or under the broiler until golden brown and crispy. Watch them closely, as they can burn quickly! If you have a grill pan, you can grill them for extra flavor and appealing grill marks.
4. Time to assemble your tartines! Spread a thin layer of your favorite spreadable cheese on each toasted bread slice. Cream cheese, goat cheese, or even a herbed ricotta would work beautifully. If you're feeling fancy, you can even whip up a quick lemon-herb aioli. I sometimes use cream cheese because its something that I always have in the fridge. Its the perfect back up.
5. Arrange the sliced hard-boiled eggs and cooked asparagus spears artfully on top of the cheese. Don't be afraid to get creative with the arrangement! Consider overlapping the slices for a visually appealing look.
6. Finish with a flourish! Sprinkle the tartines with a generous pinch of lemon zest, a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil, and a sprinkle of flaky sea salt and freshly ground black pepper. You can also add a sprinkle of fresh herbs like dill, chives, or parsley for extra flavor and color. A touch of red pepper flakes can add a nice kick, if that's your thing.
7. Serve immediately and enjoy this taste of spring! These tartines are best enjoyed fresh, when the bread is still crispy and the flavors are vibrant. They make a delightful breakfast, brunch, light lunch, or even an appetizer for a springtime gathering.