Bamboo Skewers
3/4 c lemon juice, divided
1 t chopped fresh thyme
1/2 t salt
1/2 t grated lemon rind
2 T sugar
8 shallots, peeled
2 lbs thin asparagus spears
Lemon slices
Fresh thyme sprigs
Recipe
Soak bamboo skewers in water 30 minutes; drain.
Stir together 1/4 cup lemon juice, 2 T oil, chopped thyme, salt, and lemon rind. Set aside lemon-thyme mixture.
Stir together remaining 1/2 cup lemon juice, remaining 2 T oil, and sugar.
Thread shallots on bamboo skewers; brush with lemon juice mixture.
Snap off tough ends of asparagus, brush asparagus with remaining lemon juice mixture. Set aside.
Place shallots in center of cooking grate. Grill shallots, covered with grill lid, 10 minutes.
Place asparagus crosswise on cooking grate, and grill asparagus and shallots 8 minutes, turning asparagus often.
Place asparagus in a shallow dish; top with shallots. Pour lemon-thyme mixture over vegetables. Serve at room temperature.
Garnish with lemon slices and fresh thyme sprigs, if desired.