Instructions: The oven should be preheated to 450 degrees. Rinse the asparagus and snap off the tough ends. Place the spears in a glass pie plate or other shallow microwave-safe dish. Cover the dish with microwave-safe plastic wrap, such as Saran, and cut a 1 inch slit in the top for a vent. Cover the plate and microwave on high until the spears are crisp-tender, about two to three minutes.

Set aside.

Place the bread slices in a single layer on a baking sheet, place in the oven, and bake until lightly toasted, about five minutes. Meanwhile, mix together the ham, mustard and mayonnaise in a small bowl.

Spread the ham mixture over the bread slices on the baking pan, dividing it evenly and working carefully so as not to touch the hot pan. Place three or four asparagus spears on top of the ham mixture on each sandwich. Cut the cheese slices in half and place half a slice over the asparagus on each sandwich.

Return the pan to the oven and bake just until the cheese melts, about two minutes. Serve at once, placing two sandwiches on each plate.

Serves 4

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