#3136 - Asparagus Casserole

(by Shirley McNevich)

3 cups asparagus pieces (washed, cut into bite sized pieces, cooked until tender and drained)
4 TBSP butter
2 TBSP flour
2 cups milk
1/2 cup grated cheese (your choice of kind)
1/4 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. pepper
3/4 cup 4C Italian bread crumbs
2 TBSP butter

Wash, cut and cook asparagus pieces just until tender. Drain the asparagus and place it in a greased 2 qt. casserole dish. In a saucepan over medium low heat add 4 TBSP butter--melt. Add flour while stirring. Add milk while stirring--cook/stir until mixture thickens. Remove from heat--add salt, pepper, and cheese--stir until mixed. Pour the whole mixture over the asparagus pieces. Sprinkle the bread crumbs all over the top. Dot 2 TBSP butter all over the top. Bake at 325 degrees for 30 minutes or until hot.