Awesome Shrimp and Asparagus au Gratin

This dish is excellent for brunches but also for a main meal. It is also good with grits.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups soft bread crumbs
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1/4 cup butter or margarine, melted
• 1 bunch asparagus, cut into 1- to 1 1/2-inch pieces and steamed for 10 minutes
• 1/4 cup butter or margarine
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon Creole seasoning
• 3 cups milk
• 4 cups peeled cooked salad shrimp

Directions:

Mix the bread crumbs, cheese and 1/4 cup melted butter in a bowl. Spread 1/2 of the bread crumbs mixture in a 9 x 13 baking dish. Arrange the asparagus on top. Melt 1/4 cup butter in a saucepan. Stir in the flour, salt, pepper and Creole seasoning. Stir in the milk. Cook until thickened, stirring occasionally. Stir in the shrimp. Pour over the asparagus. Sprinkle with the remaining bread crumb mixture. Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes or until golden brown.

Number of Servings:  8 servings