Ingredients:

  Amount  Measure       Ingredient -- Preparation Method
--------  ------------  --------------------------------
   1 1/2  pounds        asparagus -- fresh
   3      tablespoons   butter
     1/4  cup           water
     1/2  teaspoon      salt
   1      dash          pepper

Preparation:

Wash asparagus, removing with knife, scales that hold sand and grit. Lay 2 or 3 asparagus stalks together on cutting board. With sharp knife, cut on very long, slanting diagonal to end of green length of stalk, making bias slices not more than 1/4" thick and 1 1/2" long. Put butter and water in large skillet with tight cover; heat. Add asparagus, salt, and pepper. Cook, covered, over high heat 5 minutes, shaking skillet occasionally and checking once to see whether a bit more water is needed. Test asparagus with fork; if not tender-crisp, cook 1 minute more. Uncover at once, serve quickly.