Baked Lasagna with Asparagus and Pesto

• 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
• 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

1. In a large stone mortar, place pine nuts, basil, garlic and salt and grind with a pestle until paste.
2. Add cheeses and drizzle in olive oil, beating with a wooden spoon.
3. Store in jars, topped with extra virgin olive oil.
4. Preheat oven to 425 F. Bring 6 quarts water to boil and add 2 tablespoons salt.
5. Set up ice bath next to boiling water.
6. Trim asparagus and boil one minute.
7. Drain and refresh in ice bath.
8. Remove, drain well, and cut into 4-inch to 5-inch pieces and set aside.
9. Cut pasta into 5-inch squares and drop into same boiling water as asparagus.
10. Cook one minute until tender.
11. Remove and refresh in ice bath.
12. Drain on towels and set aside.
13. In a mixing bowl, stir balsamella, pesto, and grated cheese together until mixed well.
14. Butter 4 gratin dishes and place one piece of 5-inch pasta on the bottom of each one.
15. On top of pasta, place the following: 3 pieces of asparagus, followed by 2 tablespoons pesto, followed by another piece of pasta.
16. Continue with this layering until you have 4 pieces of pasta and 4 layers of asparagus and pesto mixture.
17. 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.
18. Put all 4 dishes in oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until bubbling and golden brown on top.
19. Remove and serve immediately.

recipe basic pasta, salsa balsamella, pesto sauce, pecorino sardo, bread crumbs, pine nuts, fresh basil, clove garlic, salt, freshly grated parmigiano, freshly grated pecorino, olive oil

Taken from www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/mario-batali/baked-lasagna-with-asparagus-and-pesto-recipe.html (may not work)