Step 1

Preheat oven to 180C. Grease 24 holes of patty pan trays or mini muffin tin.

Step 2

Cut 24 rounds from pastry with a 7 cm cutter. Place rounds into patty pan holes.

Step 3

Heat the butter in a small frying pan.

Step 4

Add the asparagus, garlic and 2 teaspoons of the chopped thyme, cook, stirring occasionally, for about 5 minutes or until the asparagus is soft.

Step 5

Divide the asparagus mixture and cheese among the pastry cases.

Step 6

Combine egg and cream in a small jug, season with salt and pepper, then pour over the asparagus and cheese mixture.

Step 7

Sprinkle the tops with the remaining thyme leaves.

Step 8

Bake, uncovered for approximately 15 minutes or until browned slightly.