Asparagus and Mushroom Gratin with Scallions

Ingredients

• 2 Tbs. olive oil
• 4 slices Italian bread
• cut into 1/2-inch cubes
• 4 scallions
• chopped
• 1 or 2 cloves garlic
• minced
• 8 oz. white mushrooms
• trimmed and sliced
• 2 tsp. minced fresh parsley
• 2 tsp. minced fresh basil
• 1 tsp. salt
• 1/2 tsp. black pepper
• 1 lb. thin asparagus
• trimmed and cut diagonally into 1-inch pieces
• 1/2 cup vegetable stock
• 3/4 cup shredded regular or soy Monterey Jack cheese
• 1/4 cup sliced almonds

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375F.
2. Oil 2-qt.
3. gratin dish with 1 Tbs.
4. oil.
5. Spread about 2 cups bread cubes in bottom of dish.
6. Sprinkle with scallions and garlic.
7. Layer mushroom slices over top, and season with herbs, salt and pepper.
8. Arrange asparagus on top.
9. Pour in vegetable stock.
10. Sprinkle top of gratin with remaining bread cubes, and drizzle with remaining olive oil.
11. Cover.
12. Bake about 30 minutes, or until tender.
13. Uncover, and sprinkle with cheese and almonds.
14. Bake uncovered for 15 minutes, or until cheese is melted.
15. Serve hot.