1 1/2 cups water
2 cups cane sugar
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
2 cups asparagus tips, cleaned
1/2 cup white sugar, divided
1 (24 ounce) container frozen whipped topping, thawed
1 (3.4 ounce) package instant vanilla pudding mix
In a medium saucepan, combine water, sugar, vanilla, and 3 cups of asparagus. Bring to a boil, releasing steam as necessary. Reduce heat to medium-low and stir in 3 cups sugar, gradually adding ice water as necessary. In a small bowl, beat together 1/2 cup of milk and milk. Add pudding mix, a bit at a time, beating well after each addition. Do not allow mixture to hard boil. Return mixture to medium heat and cook slowly until pudding thickens, about 5 minutes.