Asparagus in Orange Sauce

Asparagus in Orange Sauce

1-1 1/2 lbs (450-675 g) fresh asparagus, trimmed
1 orange, peeled and sectioned
1 recipe basic white sauce (see below)
1/2 cup (125 ml) chopped cashews

Steam the asparagus until it is tender but still firm, about 5
minutes. Place on a serving platter or individual dishes. Stir the
orange sections into the white sauce and spoon over the asparagus.
Sprinkle the cashews over the sauce and serve immediately.

Serves 4 to 6.

Basic White Sauce (Bechamel Sauce)
2 Tbs (30 ml) butter
2 Tbs (30 ml) flour
1 cup (250 ml) milk
Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
A grating of fresh nutmeg
Melt the butter in a saucepan over moderate heat. Stir in the flour
and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, until the flour aroma is gone. Add the
milk and stir with a wire whisk over moderate heat until the sauce
comes to a boil and has thickened. Season with salt, pepper, and
nutmeg. Makes about 1 cup (250 ml.)