30-Minute Sauce Ham & Asparagus

24 fresh asparagus spears

3 Tablespoons butter

1/4 cup all-purpose flour

1 1/2 cups milk

1 cup shredded Swiss cheese, divided

1/8 teaspoon nutmeg

1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper

Black pepper to taste

1 pasteurized egg yolk or equivalent amount of egg substitute

24 thin slices cooked ham

Arrange asparagus in an 11" X 7" microwave-safe dish.

Add 2 Tablespoons water.

Cover with plastic wrap.

Microwave until crisp-tender, about 2 to 5 minutes;drain.

Let stand to cool slightly.

Meanwhile, melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat.

Whisk in flour until smooth.

Add milk gradually, whisking continually.

Cook, stirring continually,until thickened, about 5 minutes.

Turn off heat.

Add 3/4 cup cheese, nutmeg, cayenne pepper and black pepper and whisk until cheese is melted.

Stir in egg yolk.

Preheat broiler.

Wrap a ham slice tightly around each asparagus spear.

Arrange in a single layer in a 9" X 13" baking dish.

Pour sauce evenly over the top.

Sprinkle with remaining cheese.

Broil 6 inches from heat until bubbly and lightly browned, about 5 minutes.

Prep Time: 22 minutes

Cooking Time: 5 minutes

Makes 6 servings

When purchasing asparagus, choose firm, bright green stalks with tight tips. To store, wrap in a plastic bag for 3 to 4 days in the refrigerator or store upright in one inch of water, covering the container with a plastic bag.