when chicken is cut near center.

HEAVENLY CHICKENServes 4
If you're using fresh asparagus spears for this, here's how
to tell the tender part from the part that's too tough and
fibrous to be good eating. Take the bud end of an asparagus
spear in one hand and the butt end in the other and then
bend the spear until it breaks. The part on the bud side
is tender enough to use. The spears will always break at
just that point. But don't throw away the tough end. If you
peel the tough end with a potato peeler, you'll get down to
the tender, edible part underneath and can use that portion
also. Cook the leftover parts until tender and use them in
soups or omelettes.
4 chicken breast halves
12 fresh or frozen asparagus spears
1/4 cup water
1/4 cup butter or margarine
4 tablespoons flour
1/8 teaspoon ground ginger
1 1/2 cups chicken broth
1/2 cup dry white wine
Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
1/4 cup chopped pecans
1/4 cup crushed crackers
On microwave-safe roasting pan, arrange breasts, bone side
up, in a circular pattern. Cover loosely with plastic
wrap; microwave at MEDIUM-HIGH (70% power) 8 minutes per
pound. Halfway through cooking time turn breasts over; re-
cover with plastic wrap and complete cooking. Let stand,