The Unbreakable Union
Based on:
TypeSide dish
Serves4 people
DateOctober 20, 2026
Neat asparagus and mash show Alberta clinging tightly to Canada.
A solemn side dish: white asparagus arranged as straight lines to represent Alberta’s borders, joined by a connecting strip of mashed potatoes symbolizing Canada. The clear, precise plating echoes the result: Alberta remains firmly part of the whole.
Ingredients
- 12 thick white asparagus spears
- 600 g starchy potatoes
- 100 ml milk
- 50 g unsalted butter
- Salt to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper
- 1 bunch chives
Method
- Peel the asparagus and trim the woody ends.
- Boil the asparagus in salted water for 10-12 minutes until just tender. Drain well.
- Peel and cut the potatoes into equal pieces, then boil for 20 minutes until tender.
- Drain the potatoes, mash with milk and butter until smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
- Finely chop the chives.
- On a long platter, spread a wide stripe of mashed potatoes across the center (the 'connection').
- Lay the asparagus spears tightly side by side, perpendicular to the mash, so they fan out like provincial borders and are held together by the puree.
- Sprinkle chives over the mash for color contrast.
Serving notes
- Serve on a long platter for a map-like effect.
- Keep asparagus whole for a clean look.
- Place the platter centrally as a symbol of unity.