Asparagus Starter - cooking recipe

Ingredients

1 (16 ounce) can asparagus, cut into approx 2 inch pieces
4 tablespoons butter
1/2 cup flour
1 pinch salt
coarsley ground black pepper or cayenne pepper, to taste
1/2 cup cream
1/2 cup cheddar cheese, grated
1 ounce potato crisps, preferably cheese and onion flavour, crushed

Preparation

Drain asparagus cuts and retain liquid.
Make a white sauce with the butter, flour, seasoning and reserved asparagus juice.
Add half the cheese into the sauce and melt.
Cool slightly and add the cream.
Place the drained asparagus cuts onto individual serving dishes (those scalloped shaped little serving dishes make an impressive show).
Spoon over sauce and sprinkle with remainder of cheese and crushed potato crisps.
Bake at 350F for approximately 10 minutes.
NOTE: To enjoy the company of your guests, prepare ahead up to \"baking\" point.