Asparagus Au Gratin
["20 asparagus spears (about 1 1/2 lb.)", "1 c. fresh bread crumbs", "1/2 c. mild cheddar cheese, grated", "1/2 tsp. salt (may be less or omitted)", "1/4 tsp. freshly ground pepper", "pinch of ground thyme", "1 tsp. chopped parsley", "2 tsp. olive oil", "3 tsp. unsalted butter cut into small pieces", "1/4 lb. shredded Mozzarella cheese or mild cheddar"]
["Preheat oven to 425\u00b0.", "Break off tough ends of asparagus and boil or steam in the usual manner until bright green but still a bit firm.", "Do not overcook.", "Drain well.", "Cut in 3/4 inch lengths. In a lightly buttered medium gratin dish, place asparagus with bread crumbs, cheese, seasonings, parsley and olive oil.", "Dot with butter.", "Bake until the asparagus is heated through, 6-8 minutes. Remove from oven, sprinkle with Mozzarella and place under broiler until cheese just melts.", "Do not overcook cheese.", "Cheddar is safer.", "Good with hot crab meat casserole."]
["bread crumbs", "cheddar cheese", "salt", "freshly ground pepper", "thyme", "parsley", "olive oil", "unsalted butter", "Mozzarella cheese"]