Asparagus Crab Au Gratin

Name: Asparagus Crab Au Gratin
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings.
Ingredients: 1 package (10 ounces) frozen asparagus cuts, thawed and drained; 1 can (6 ounces) crabmeat, drained, flaked and cartilage removed or 1 cup flaked imitation crabmeat; 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 4 tablespoons butter, divided; 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 1 cup milk; 1/2 teaspoon ground mustard; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/8 teaspoon pepper; 2 teaspoons lemon juice; 1 cup soft bread crumbs

"I was delighted to discover this rich casserole years ago when we had a large asparagus patch," recalls Nancy Thibodeau of Overgaard, Arizona. "It's so easy that I've fixed it many times since, even for a baby shower. The compliments were unending."

Ingredients

1 package (10 ounces) frozen asparagus cuts, thawed and drained
1 can (6 ounces) crabmeat, drained, flaked and cartilage removed or 1 cup flaked imitation crabmeat
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
4 tablespoons butter, divided
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 cup milk
1/2 teaspoon ground mustard
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper
2 teaspoons lemon juice
1 cup soft bread crumbs

Directions

Place asparagus in a greased 1-qt. baking dish. Top with crab and sprinkle with cheese; set aside. In a saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons butter. Stir in flour until smooth. Whisk in milk, mustard, salt and pepper. Bring to a boil over medium heat; cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened.
Remove from the heat; stir in lemon juice. Pour over asparagus. Melt remaining butter; toss with bread crumbs. Sprinkle over top. Bake, uncovered, at 350° for 30 minutes or until heated through.