How To Microwave Asparagus

·       Hold the stalk by the base and gently bend the spear until the end of the tough stalk snaps of. Wash the asparagus spears in cold water after you have cut off the scales.

·       Measure 125ml cold water into a shallow 30x20cm dish. Do not add salt.

·       Add 450g of whole asparagus spears in the dish, the tips arranged towards the centre. Cover with cling film.

·       Microwave for half the time, six to seven minutes.

·       Rearrange spears from outside to middle of dish, keeping tips in the center. Cover. Microwave for remaining six to seven minutes

Frozen Asparagus

·       Prepare as above but microwave first for five to six minutes. Then after rearranging the spears, for another five to six minutes.

Recipe for Asparagus with Cheese

Ingredients

900g fresh asparagus, cut into 4cm lengths

125ml water

40g butter

60ml fine dry breadcrumbs

0g cashew nuts

25g plain flour

Salt and pepper

250ml milk

100g grated cheddar cheese

Method

·       Place asparagus and water in a casserole, cover with cling film and cook at high for 16-18 minutes, or until tender, rearranging once during cooking.

·       Drain, cover and set aside.

·       In a small bowl, melt half  the butter at high for 30 to 60 seconds. Add breadcrumbs and nuts.

·       Melt remaining butter at high for 30 to 60 seconds  in a bowl.

·       Stir in flour and seasoning, then whisk in the milk.

·       Microwave at 100 high for 3-5 minutes, until sauce boils and thickens. Stir once during cooking.

·       Layer the asparagus, sauce and cheese in a casserole. Microwave at high for 3w minutes.

Layering the Asparagus and Cheese

·       Spread half the cooked asparagus evenly in the dish. Pour over half the sauce and sprinkle over half the grated cheese.

·       Repeat the layers. Top with the breadcrumbs and nut mixture. Microwave at high for 3 minutes until hot and bubbling.