Ham & Cheese Crepes with Asparagus

 

6 cups chopped ham

1 teaspoon finely chopped thyme

1/8 teaspoon ground clove

18 asparagus spears

olive oil

Garlic salt

 

 Spiced Ham

Place chopped ham in a food processor and sprinkle evenly with thyme and ground clove.  Pulse 2-3 times to chop ham and mix.

Asparagus Preparation:

Snap the bottom ends off of each asparagus, brush with olive oil and then lightly season with garlic salt.

 

Bechamel Sauce

 3 tablespoons unsalted butter

2 tablespoons all purpose flour

2 cups hot whole milk

1 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon nutmeg

1/2 cup shredded white cheddar cheese 

 

Melt butter over medium low heat.  Add flour and whisk continuously until it becomes golden in color, 5-6 minutes.  Add milk in gradually, whisking continuously.  Cook for ten minutes and then stir in salt and nutmeg.  Remove from heat mix in white cheddar cheese and cover.  

 

Orange Sauce

 1 cup orange marmalade

2 tablespoons white balsamic vinegar

1 tablespoon Dijon Mustard

2 tablespoons water

 

Place all ingredients in a small sauce pan and bring to a simmer over medium low heat while stirring.  Remove from heat and let cool.

 

Crepes

 1 egg

1/3 cup whole milk

1/3 cup water

1/2 cup flour

2 tablespoons melted butter

Butter for cooking crepes

 

Pulse all ingredients together in a blender for about 15 seconds.  Place in the refrigerator for 1 hour to allow bubbles to subside.  Coat a small non-stick pan with a little melted butter and heat over medium low.  Pour about 1 ounce of crepe batter into the center, swirling so the batter spreads out evenly.  Cook for 30 seconds and then flip and cook for 10-15 seconds.  Remove from pan and let cool.  Layer parchment paper between each one if stacking.  

 

Assembly:

Fill the center of each crepe with about 1/2 cup of spiced ham and spread out to both ends.  Follow with Bechamel cheese sauce and then top with 2 spears of asparagus per crepe.  Place in a lightly greased baking dish and bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes.  If your asparagus are thicker than average bake about 5 minutes longer.  Let cool.  Brush with orange sauce and serve.