Ingredients:

  Amount  Measure       Ingredient -- Preparation Method
--------  ------------  --------------------------------
   1      pound         fresh medium asparagus -- rough ends removed
   2      cups          bechamel sauce -- see * note
   1      teaspoon      salt
   1      pinch         nutmeg
     1/4  cup           grated parmigiano cheese
   2      whole         eggs -- plus
   2                    egg yolks
     1/4  cup           fresh bread crumbs -- lightly toasted
   2      ounces        butter
   4      ounces        fontina cheese
   6      ounces        heavy cream
                        salt -- to taste
                        freshly-ground black pepper -- to taste

Preparation:

* Note: See the "Bechamel Sauce" recipe which is included in this collection. Place 4 quarts water to boil and add 2 tablespoons salt. Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Blanch asparagus until just tender (1 minute) and remove to ice bath and refresh. Slice into 1/2-inch pieces retaining top half aside and mixing bottom halves in a food processor to fine mush. Mix processed asparagus, Bechamel Sauce, salt, nutmeg, parmesan, eggs and yolks thoroughly. Add top half pieces and gently fold through. Butter an 8-inch bundt pan and coat with crumbs. Place asparagus mixture in bundt pan and place in 8- to 12-inch brownie pan 2/3 filled with hot water. Bake for 40 to 45 minutes or until top is golden brown and a dipped toothpick comes out clean. Remove and allow to cool 15 minutes. Mix grated fontina, heavy cream and salt and pepper in small sauce pan and heat gently until smooth and creamy. Turn sformato out onto plate and slice into 2-inch slices and plate, spooning fondata over. Serve. Source: MOLTO MARIO with Mario Batali From the TV FOOD NETWORK - (Show # MB-5615)