Baked Asparagus (Spargelgericht, Uberbacken)

Posting for ZWT

• Ready In: 35 mins
• Yields: 4

Ingredients

• INGREDIENTS

• 1 1⁄2 lbs asparagus, cooked
• 2  lbs potatoes, cooked and sliced
• 1⁄2 lb ham, thinly sliced
• 1  tablespoon parsley, chopped
• 4  tablespoons cheese, grated
• 2  cups butter, sauce posted below
•  salt
•  nutmeg
•  pepper
• 1  egg yolk
• 2  tablespoons butter
•  butter, sauce

• INGREDIENTS

• 3  tablespoons flour
• 4  tablespoons butter
• 2  cups water or 2  cups  asparagus cooking  liquid
•  salt and pepper
• 2  egg yolks, beaten (optional) or 1⁄2 cup  cream (optional)

Directions

1. FOR THE BUTTER SAUCE.
2. Brown flour in butter over medium heat. Add water gradually, stirring constantly to form a smooth sauce. Season and continue stirring until sauce thickens. The sauce may be enriched by adding egg yolks or cream which should be well blended.
3. FOR THE BAKED ASPARAGUS.
4. In a well-greased baking dish, place alternate layers of asparagus (halved), potatoes, and ham. Sprinkle with parsley and half the cheese. Prepare butter sauce, using asparagus water as liquid. Season well and stir in egg yolk. Blend and pour over casserole. Sprinkle with remaining cheese, dot with butter and brown in moderate 375°F oven About 15 - 20 mins.