• 12 trimmed asparagus spears
• 1 tsp. extra-virgin olive oil
• Salt and freshly ground pepper
• 2 Tbsp. Dijon mustard
• 2 Tbsp. mayonnaise
• 4 slices crusty bread
• 1/4 pound thinly sliced baked or boiled ham
• 1 large tomato , cut into 8 slices
• 1/4 pound thinly sliced fontina cheese

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add asparagus and cook until bright green and just tender, 2 to 3 minutes. Drain, rinse under cold water to stop the cooking, then drain again and transfer to a large bowl; pat asparagus dry. Add olive oil plus salt and pepper to taste and toss well.

Meanwhile, preheat broiler (if it not in a separate part of oven, arrange a rack 6 inches from the heating element). Mix mustard and mayonnaise together in a small bowl; spread onto one side of each bread slice. Layer ham, tomatoes, and fontina cheese onto bread slices, then arrange sandwiches in a single layer on a baking sheet.

Broil until cheese is melted and bubbly, about 2 minutes. (Watch closely to make sure bread doesn't burn.) Transfer sandwiches to plates and top with asparagus. Serve immediately with a green salad on the side, if desired.

Extra idea: Use the main ingredients—asparagus, ham, tomato, and fontina cheese—to make a beautiful frittata.