Asparagus with Mock Hollandaise Sauce

• 2  pounds  fresh asparagus
• 2  egg yolks
• 1  cup  water
• 2  tablespoons  cornstarch
• 1/2  teaspoon  salt
• 2  tablespoons  lemon juice
• 1  tablespoon  margarine
• Grated lemon rind (optional)

Snap off tough ends of asparagus; remove scales from stalks with a vegetable peeler, if desired.

Cook asparagus, covered, in a small amount of boiling water 8 to 10 minutes or until tender; drain. Set aside, and keep warm.

Place egg yolks in a small bowl; stir well with a wire whisk.

Combine water, cornstarch, and salt in a small, heavy saucepan. Cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until mixture comes to a boil and begins to thicken. Remove from heat; add 2 tablespoons cornstarch mixture to egg yolks, stirring constantly with a wire whisk. Add egg yolk mixture to remaining cornstarch mixture; cook, stirring constantly, 2 minutes or until temperature reaches 160°. Remove from heat; stir in lemon juice and margarine.

To serve, spoon sauce over asparagus, and sprinkle with lemon rind, if desired.