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
 * 1/2 cup sour cream
 * 1/2 cup milk
 * 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp Cheddar cheese, divided

Directions

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