Thursday, October 7, 2010

CAULIFLOWER GRATIN

Everything tastes better with cheese. With two different vegetables smothered in cheese, this dish is perfect for kids. And adults who don't like vegetables.

Cauliflower Gratin
Makes 6 servings

1 head cauliflower or broccoli
1 T butter
2 tsp flour
1 cup milk
1/2 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
1/2 cup carrot or butternut squash puree
1 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper
1/4 cup parmesan cheese, grated

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Bring a medium saucepan of water to boiling. Cut cauliflower into bite-size florets.

Blanch cauliflower for 2-3 minutes. It should be tender, yet still firm. Drain in colander and set aside.

In same saucepan melt butter. Whisk in flour and cook 1 minute over medium heat.

Slowly whisk in milk to prevent lumps from forming. bring to a boil. The mixture will begin to thicken. Cook 2-3 more minutes.

Reduce heat to low and add cheddar cheese, puree, salt, and pepper.

Add cauliflower to the cheese mixture and transfer to a greased 9" baking dish. Top with parmesan cheese.

Bake for 15 minutes, or until gratin is bubbly and top begins to brown.

Note: Broccoli can be used instead of cauliflower. Carrot/squash puree isn't a necessity in this recipe, but it's a great way to get in some extra veggies.

Carrot Puree- peel, trim, and cut carrots into 2-inch chunks. Steam for 10-12 minutes. Use a food processor or blender to puree into a smooth paste. Add a few teaspoons of water if necessary.

Squash Puree- roast unpeeled butternut squash halves, seeds removed, on a baking sheet in the oven at 400 degrees for 45-50 minutes, or poke with fork and microwave until soft. Scoop out flesh and puree.

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