To make a good salad is to be a brilliant diplomatist -- the problem is entirely the same in both cases. To know exactly how much oil one must put with one's vinegar.
You will usually find asparagus on sale in bunches ready for cooking; but cut 2 � 3 cms from the base of the stalks if too hard.
Boil the asparagus in boiling salted water for around 5-6 mins depending on thickness.
Make a dressing by mixing the lemon juice and olive oil and adding a pinch of salt.
Drain the water from the asparagus and arrange on a serving
dish. Add the shaved Parmesan and lemon and oil dressing.