Asparagus Casserole - cooking recipe

Ingredients

1 lb. cooked fresh asparagus or 2 cans long asparagus spears
4 hard-cooked eggs, sliced
2 Tbsp. butter or margarine
2 Tbsp. flour
1/4 tsp. salt
1/8 tsp. white pepper
1 c. milk
1 c. grated American cheese
2/3 c. soft bread crumbs
red pepper, sliced (optional)

Preparation

Melt butter in 1-quart microsafe cup on High power for 30 to 60 seconds.
Stir in flour, salt and pepper.
Whisk in milk. Microwave on High power for 3 to 5 minutes, until mixture thickens, whisking every 2 minutes to combine.
Stir in cheese; blend well.
Microwave on High power for 30 seconds, if needed, to melt cheese.
Snap off tough ends from asparagus.
Wash in cold water.
Pour 1/4 cup water and 1/4 teaspoon salt into 12 x 8-inch microsafe dish.
Place 1 pound asparagus spears in dish.
Cover with plastic wrap.
Microwave on High power for 6 minutes, rearranging halfway.