Baked Lasagna with Asparagus and Pesto

Ingredients

• 1 pound asparagus, medium-sized
• 1 recipe basic pasta, rolled to thinnest setting on pasta machine
• 2 cups salsa balsamella
• 1 cup pesto sauce (see below)
• 1 cup grated pecorino sardo
• 1/2 cup bread crumbs

To Make Pesto Sauce:

• 3 tablespoons pine nuts
• 2 cups fresh basil leaves, preferably picolo fino
• 1 clove garlic, peeled
• 1 pinch sea salt
• 1/4 cup freshly grated parmigiano
• 3 tablespoons freshly grated pecorino
• 5 ounces Ligurian extra virgin olive oil

Directions

In a large stone mortar, place pine nuts, basil, garlic and salt and grind with a pestle until paste. Add cheeses and drizzle in olive oil, beating with a wooden spoon. Store in jars, topped with extra virgin olive oil.

To Prepare Baked Lasagna Dish:

Preheat oven to 425 F. Bring 6 quarts water to boil and add 2 tablespoons salt. Set up ice bath next to boiling water.

Trim asparagus and boil one minute. Drain and refresh in ice bath. Remove, drain well, and cut into 4-inch to 5-inch pieces and set aside.

Cut pasta into 5-inch squares and drop into same boiling water as asparagus. Cook one minute until tender. Remove and refresh in ice bath. Drain on towels and set aside.

In a mixing bowl, stir balsamella, pesto, and grated cheese together until mixed well. Butter 4 gratin dishes and place one piece of 5-inch pasta on the bottom of each one. On top of pasta, place the following: 3 pieces of asparagus, followed by 2 tablespoons pesto, followed by another piece of pasta. Continue with this layering until you have 4 pieces of pasta and 4 layers of asparagus and pesto mixture. Lay one more piece of pasta on top, followed by a spoonful of pesto mixture and sprinkle each of the 4 gratin dishes with bread crumbs. Put all 4 dishes in oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until bubbling and golden brown on top. Remove and serve immediately.