Roll out the pastry and use to line a 20.5 cm (8-inch) flan ring placed on a baking sheet.

Bake blind in the oven at 200°C (400°F) mark 6 for 15-20 minutes plus 20 minutes until the pastry is cooked but not browned.

Melt the fat in a pan, stir in the flour and cook for 2 minutes, stirring. Remove from the heat and gradually stir in the milk. Bring to the boil and cook for 2 minutes, stirring continuously.

Remove from the hear, stir in 75 g (3 oz) of the cheese and salt and pepper to taste.

Place the drained asparagus in the pastry case, retaining a little for garnish, pour the sauce over and garnish with the remaining asparagus.

Sprinkle with the remaining cheese and brown under a preheated hot grill or in a hot oven.