1/4 c. butter
1/4 c. flour
1 tbsp. salt
1/8 tsp. nutmeg
1/8 tsp. pepper
6 c. milk
2 (10 oz.) pkg. frozen asparagus, cooked and chopped, reserve cooking water (2 c.)
3 c. shredded Cheddar cheese

Melt butter; blend in flour and spices. Remove from heat and stir in milk. Return to heat, stirring constantly until thickened. Add asparagus and cooking water; heat to simmering. Remove from heat and stir in cheese until melted. Serves 8.