Asparagus Au Gratin - cooking recipe

Ingredients

1 1/4 lbs white asparagus, peeled with the woody ends cut off
2 dashes lemon juice
2 tsp sugar
6 stalks green asparagus, woody ends cut off
4 oz Parmesan cheese, grated
3 tbsp olive oil

Preparation

Cook the white asparagus in a large saucepan of boiling water with a dash of lemon juice and a tsp of sugar for 8-10 mins until tender. Cook the green asparagus in another saucepan of boiling water, again with a dash of lemon and a tsp of sugar, for 5-8 mins until tender. Drain both and allow to cool.
Grease an oven-proof baking dish, then sprinkle with 1/4 of the Parmesan. Place the asparagus in the dish in layers, alternating colors, then sprinkle with the remaining cheese. Bake in a preheated oven at 425\u00b0F for about 8 mins. Remove from the oven and drizzle with the olive oil to serve. Pairs well with baked ham and watercress salad.