Asparagus Bundles

• 900 g/2 lb asparagus
• salt and freshly ground black pepper
• slices</

Steam the asparagus until al dente. Divide stalks into bundles of 3 and season with salt and pepper. Wrap each bundle in a slice of Parma ham.

Butter a gratin dish and place the bundles in a single layer. Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan on top and dot with little knobs of butter. Bake in a moderate oven 180°C/350°F/gas 4 for about 20 minutes. These asparagus bundles can be served as a