Regal Rice and Asparagus

Description
Makes 6 servings

Ingredients

 * 2 pounds fresh asparagus, trimmed
 * 4 cups cooked rice, cooled
 * 1 teaspoon salt
 * 1 to 2 dashes ground red pepper
 * ½ cup sour cream
 * ½ cup milk
 * 1½ cups shredded sharp Cheddar cheese, divided

Directions

 * 1) Cook asparagus only until tender crisp; drain.
 * 2) Combine rice, salt, pepper, sour cream, milk and ¾ cup cheese.
 * 3) Spoon half of mixture into buttered shallow 2½-quart baking dish.
 * 4) Reserve 4 asparagus spears for garnish; arrange remaining asparagus on mixture.
 * 5) Spread remaining rice mixture over asparagus.
 * 6) Sprinkle with remaining ¾ cup cheese.
 * 7) Bake at 350 °F for 20 minutes.
 * 8) Garnish with reserved asparagus and continue baking 10 minutes or until hot and bubbly.