Ham Asparagus Delight

• 2 (10 oz.) pkg. Frozen Asparagus Spears
• 4 English Muffins, split and toasted
• 8 slices Carolina Pride™ Cooked Ham
• Mushroom - Cheese Sauce
• 1 cup (4oz.) Shredded Cheddar Cheese
• Paprika

Cook asparagus according to package directions; drain. Place English muffin halves, cut side up, on a 15x10x1 inch jellyroll pan. Place one slice ham on each English muffin half; arrange 4 asparagus spears on top. Spoon about 2 teaspoons Mushroom- cheese sauce over each; sprinkle with 2 tablespoons cheese and paprika. Broil sandwiches 6 inches from heat for 3 to 5 minutes or until cheese melts. Serve immediately.

Yields: 8 servings

Mushroom- Cheese Sauce:

• 3/4 tsp. Fresh Mushrooms, sliced
• 2 T. Finely chopped onion
• 2 T. Butter or Margarine, melted
• 1 T. All-purpose Flour
• 1/4 cup plus 2 T. Milk
• 2 T. Dry White Whine
• 1 Egg Yolk, beaten
• 1/2 cup Half and Half
• 1/2 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese
• Pinch of Ground Nutmeg
• Dash of Ground Red Pepper

Sauté mushrooms and onion in butter in a heavy saucepan until tender; add flour, stirring until smooth. Cook 1 minute, stirring constantly. Gradually add milk and wine; cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until mixture is thick and bubbly. Beat egg yolk; gradually stir about one fourth of hot mixture into yolk; add to remaining hot mixture, stirring constantly. Cook over medium heat 3 minutes, stirring constantly. Stir in half-and-half, Parmesan cheese, nutmeg and pepper; cook over medium heat until thoroughly heated, stirring constantly. Remove from heat.

Yields: 1 1/2 cups