1 (1 lb. 4 oz.) can asparagus spears
2 tbsp. butter
1 tbsp. flour
1 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. pepper
1/2 c. evaporated milk
1/2 c. fine cracker crumbs
2 hard-cooked eggs, chopped
1/2 c. (1/8 lb.) cheese, grated

Drain asparagus, reserving liquid. Melt butter; blend in flour, salt and pepper. Add evaporated milk to asparagus liquid (enough to make 1 1/2 cups). Stir into flour mixture. Blend until smooth. Cook 2 minutes. Spread asparagus in bottom of greased shallow 1 1/2-quart casserole. Reserve a few asparagus spears for top. Sprinkle half cracker crumbs over asparagus. Add eggs and half sauce. Sprinkle with remaining crumbs. Arrange rest of asparagus spears over top. Pour over remaining sauce. Sprinkle with grated cheese.

Bake in moderate oven (350°F) about 30 minutes or until casserole is bubbly.

Makes 6 to 8 servings.