I modified this from one of Jacques Pepin's PBS cooking shows. (his version can be found here: http://www.kqed.org/w/jpfastfood/recipes1.html)

ASPARAGUS

ingredients:
3 strips thick-cut nitrate-free bacon, chopped into little bits
a large handful of whole almonds
one bunch of asparagus, chopped into 1-inch pieces
salt and pepper

method:
1. over medium heat, start frying the bacon pieces
2. when the bacon is about half-cooked, put in the almonds
3. when the bacon gets crispy, drain off the excess fat
4. then add the asparagus pieces and saute for about 6 minutes
5. add the ground pepper. you can also add salt if you like, but it's already very salty from the bacon

We ate this last night with ostrich burger patties and braised kale.