Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus

• 1 pound fresh asparagus, ends trimmed
• 1 package bacon
• 1/4 cup light brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1-1/2 teaspoons soy sauce
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• freshly ground pepper

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil and top with a cooling rack.

Divide the asparagus into bundles of 3 or 4, depending on the size of your asparagus, and carefully wrap a piece of bacon around each. Place the bundles on the cooling rack.

Combine the remaining ingredients in a small sauce pan and bring to a boil over medium high heat.

Brush this mixture over the asparagus bundles and place the pan in the preheated oven.

Bake for about 20 minutes, then broil for 5 minutes for added crispiness.