INGREDIENTS
1
loaf Italian or French rustic bread, cut into 1 1/2-inch cubes, about 8 cups total of bread cubes
1 lb
asparagus spears, woody ends removed, spears cut into 3/4-inch pieces
Salt (for blanching water)
1
medium bowl of ice water
2 tbsp
softened butter (for buttering the dish)
6
-ounces ham, cut into 1/4-inch cubes, about 2 cups
4
-ounces Gruyere cheese, grated, about 1 cup, packed
4
eggs
1 1/4 cups
cream
1 3/4 cups
milk
1 tsp
salt
1 tsp
dried tarragon (or thyme)
1/4 tsp
ground black pepper
8
x11x2¼ casserole baking dish