Proscuitto Wrapped Asparagus

I got this recipe from a friend, and it's AMAZING. Seriously, I HATE asparagus, but this is delicious! Try it....it won't disappoint.


Ingredients--1/2 lb. sliced prosciutto (or pancetta)
1/2 (8 oz.) package Onion and Chive Cream Cheese (I used less-fat), softened
12 spears/1 bundle fresh asparagus, trimmed

Directions--
1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F
2. Heat a pot of water to boiling. Blanch the asparagus: Throw the asparagus in the water for 30-60 seconds. Drain and "shock" with cold water. Before you wrap the asparagus, throw it in a pot of boiling water and blanch it for about 30 seconds... it gives it nice color, and makes it so when you bake the asparagus with the prosciutto/pancetta, they get done about the same time.
3. Spread prosciutto slices with thin layer of cream cheese. Wrap slices around 2-4 asparagus spears depending on the thickness of the spears. Arrange wrapped spears in a single layer on a medium baking sheet (coat pan with some olive oil, and brush the bundles with some olive oil). Season the asparagus with salt (not the prosciutto because it is already salty).
4. Bake 10-15 minutes in the preheated oven, until asparagus is tender. You can also set the oven to broil for the last minute or so. Serve immediately.

You can get Pancetta or Prosciutto in many grocery store deli's. It's cheapest to have your deli cut you 5-6 pieces so you don't have to buy a huge package and have a ton of left-overs.