Asparagus Starter

Ingredients

• 1 (16 ounce) can asparagus, cut into approx 2 inch pieces
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 1/2 cup flour
• 1 pinch salt
• coarsley ground black pepper or cayenne pepper, to taste
• 1/2 cup cream
• 1/2 cup cheddar cheese, grated
• 1 ounce potato crisps, preferably cheese and onion flavour, crushed

Directions

1. 1

   Drain asparagus cuts and retain liquid.

2. 2

   Make a white sauce with the butter, flour, seasoning and reserved asparagus juice.

3. 3

   Add half the cheese into the sauce and melt.

4. 4

   Cool slightly and add the cream.

5. 5

   Place the drained asparagus cuts onto individual serving dishes (those scalloped shaped little serving dishes make an impressive show).

6. 6

   Spoon over sauce and sprinkle with remainder of cheese and crushed potato crisps.

7. 7

   Bake at 350F for approximately 10 minutes.

8. 8

   NOTE: To enjoy the company of your guests, prepare ahead up to "baking" point.