ASPARAGUS, HAM, AND CHEESE MELTS

Asparagus, Ham, and Cheese Melts image

Yield Serves 2

Number Of Ingredients 6

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1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan (about 1 1/2 ounces)
1/4 cup mayonnaise
1 pound thin asparagus
4 slices Italian or other white bread
2 teaspoons unsalted butter, softened
1/4 pound sliced cooked ham

Steps:

Preheat broiler.
In a small bowl stir together Parmesan and mayonnaise. Trim asparagus to fit bread and arrange asparagus in a skillet just large enough to hold it in one layer. Add 1/2 inch salted cold water and cook asparagus, covered, over moderately high heat 5 minutes, or until just tender. In a colander drain asparagus well.
Arrange bread on a baking sheet and butter top of each slice. Broil bread about 6 inches from heat until golden, about 2 minutes. Turn bread over and arrange ham on each slice, folding or trimming to fit if necessary. Arrange asparagus on ham and spread with Parmesan mixture. Broil sandwiches about 3 inches from heat until golden, 1 to 2 minutes.