Blanch asparagus briefly in boiling water and drain well. Spoon 1-1/2 cups bread cubes in bottom of greased 2 quart ovenproof casserole. Scatter 3/4 cup asparagus over bread cubes. Top with another 1-1/2 cups bread cubes. Layer all of ham over mixture. Add 1-1/2 cups bread cubes and top with remaining 3/4 cup asparagus. Cover asparagus layer with remaining 1-1/2 cups bread cubes. Combine eggs, milk and salt and pepper to taste and pour evenly over strata. Cover and chill 3 or 4 hours or overnight. Bake, uncovered, at 350 degrees 1 hour 15 minutes. Let stand 10.minutes before serving with Spicy Cheese Sauce on side. Makes 6 to 8 servings. SPICY CHEESE SAUCE 3 tablespoons butter or margarine 3 tablespoons flour 1/2 teaspoon dry mustard 2 cups milk 1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese Salt Pepper Hot pepper sauce Melt butter in heavy saucepan and stir in flour. Stir in mustard and cook, stirring, about 1 minute or until mixture forms a paste. Do not brown. Add milk and cook, stirring, until mixture comes to boil. Boil, stirring 1 minute, then add cheese and continue stirring until cheese is melted. Season to taste with salt, pepper and hot pepper sauce. Makes about 3 cups. brunch 12