Gratin Of Asparagus - cooking recipe

Ingredients

1 1/2 lb. thin fresh asparagus
3/4 c. heavy cream
1 small garlic clove
2 tsp. minced shallots
4 Tbsp. fresh bread crumbs
1 Tbsp. cornmeal
1 Tbsp. grated Parmesan cheese
2 tsp. unsalted butter, cut into small pieces

Preparation

Discard tough end of asparagus.
Cut off tips about 2 1/2 inches from tip ends and slice remainder of spear into 1/2 inch pieces.
Bring a large saucepan of lightly salted water to a boil, add asparagus tips and pieces and boil for 2 minutes.
Using a slotted spoon, remove asparagus and plunge it into a bowl of cold water to stop cooking.
Drain well.
Place cream and garlic in a small saucepan and simmer over low heat until cream is slightly thickened, about 10 minutes.