Shelly's Recipe

BAKED ASPARAGUS WITH ALMOND-CHEESE SAUCE

Category: Asparagus

1 1/2 lbs fresh asparagus
Salt
4 tbsp unsalted butter
1/2 cup soft bread cubes
2 tbsp flour
1 cup milk
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1/2 cup toasted slivered almonds
Pepper to taste

Preheat oven to 350. To prepare asparagus, wash, trim and cook in salted water until tender. Drain thoroughly and arrange in a lightly buttered baking dish.

Melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add 2 tablespoons of the melted butter to the bread cubes; mix well and reserve for later. Reduce the heat to low and add the flour to the remaining butter in the saucepan; stir until well blended. Add the milk and cook, stirring until smooth and thickened. Stir in the cheese, almonds, and pepper to taste. Pour the sauce over the asparagus and sprinkle with the reserved bread cubes. Bake for 20 minutes or until bubbly. Serves 4