Asparagus-Parmesan Bake - cooking recipe

Ingredients

3 lbs fresh asparagus (tough ends snapped off)
4 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons flour
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 1/2 cups half-and-half cream
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
seasoning salt (or use white salt)
black pepper
1 1/2 cups soft breadcrumbs
1/4 cup parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons melted butter
1/2 teaspoon paprika

Preparation

Set oven to 350 degrees.
Butter a 13 x 9-inch baking dish.
Place the fresh asparagus in a pot of water; bring to a boil, and boil for about 3-4 minutes, plunge into ice water or very cold water then drain well.
Arrange the asparagus into the bottom of prepared baking dish.
In a saucepan melt butter oven medium heat; whisk in flour and cayenne until smooth, whisking constantly for 1 minute;.
Slowly add in half and half, whisking and cooking until thickened (about 2 minutes).
Add in 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, season with salt and pepper; pour the cheese sauce evenly over the asparagus in the dish.
In a bowl stir the soft breadcrumbs with melted butter, 1/4 cup parmesan cheese and paprika; toss to combine, then sprinkle evenly over the casserole.
Bake uncovered for about 25-30 minutes.