Asparagus Flan

Serves 6

Description/Notes:

This delightful asparagus flan will make a great center-piece for your supper table

Ingredients:

7 oz. (175g) plain flour

three ounces (75g) margarine

salt and pepper

1 oz. (25g) butter

half a pint (250ml) milk

4 oz. (100g) grated cheese

12 oz. (340g) tin asparagus spears

Cooking Instructions:

Pre-heat oven to 425F, Gas Mark 7, 220C
Sift 6 oz. (150g) flour with a pinch of salt
Rub in the margarine and mix to make a stiff dough with cold water
Use this pastry to line a 7 inch (18cm) flan dish
Trim the edges and line the flan with a piece of greaseproof paper
Fill with baking beans then bake in the pre-heated oven for 15 minutes
Remove the beans and paper then return flan to oven and bake for 5 minutes
Put the butter, remaining flour and milk into a pan
Place over a gentle heat and whisk continuously until the sauce thickens and boils
Reduce the heat and simmer for a further 2 minutes, whisking all the time
Season to taste and stir in 3 oz. (75g) cheese
Drain the asparagus spears and dry on kitchen paper, reserving 6-8 of the best ones for decoration
Lay the remainder in the flan and pour over the cheese sauce
Decorate with the reserved spears and sprinkle with the remaining cheese
Return to the oven to brown the top