Marinated Asparagus

1 ½ pounds fresh asparagus
¼ cup sugar
¼ cup white vinegar
¼ cup soy sauce
2 Tablespoons canola oil
¼ cup chopped walnuts or pecans, toasted (optional)

Fill a large frying pan with 2 inches water and bring to rolling boil. Plunge asparagus into water and blanche for 1 minute. Immediately put asparagus into ice water to stop cooking. Combine remaining ingredients and whisk. Pour marinade over dried asparagus in a 9 x 12 inch pan. Chill for at least 8 hours.

To serve, drain marinade and place asparagus on serving dish. Sprinkle with nuts.