Name: Ham Divan
Cuisine: Meat
Ingredients: 2 pounds fresh asparagus; 4 tablespoons butter; 4 tablespoons flour; 2 cups milk; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup whipping cream; 2 teaspoons grated lemon rind; 6 thin slices of cooked ham; 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese

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This effortless yet impressive Ham Divan recipe is as pleasing to the eye as it is to the palate. The pairing of light, fresh asparagus and salty, crispy-edged ham melts in your mouth while the sauce adds the perfect amount of creaminess to this simple, sensational dish.

Ingredients

2 pounds fresh asparagus

4 tablespoons butter

4 tablespoons flour

2 cups milk

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup whipping cream

2 teaspoons grated lemon rind

6 thin slices of cooked ham

1/4 cup Parmesan cheese

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.

Break or cut off the tough stalk ends of the asparagus. Arrange the asparagus in a shallow pan and cover with water and 1 teaspoon salt. Bring to a boil and cook for 4 to 6 minutes, or until tender but still crisp. Lift out carefully with a slotted spoon or tongs; arrange into six bundles.

In a pan over medium heat, combine the flour and butter until it bubbles. Add the milk and salt and stir until thickened. Fold in the cream and lemon rind.

Roll a ham slice around each of the asparagus bundles and place in a baking dish. Pour sauce over all and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.

Bake for 15 minutes. Then slide under pre-heated broiler for 2 or 3 minutes, or until lightly browned.