Ina Gartens Easy Cauliflower Side Is Just As Tasty As You Imagine Recipes

CAULIFLOWER GRATIN

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350F
• Remove the outer leaves from the cauliflower and separate into florets. Separate or slice them into approximately 1 inch pieces. I like to leave the florets intact as much as possible because it looks pretty. Leave short sections of the stem on, they're delicious.
• Put the cauliflower into a large microwave safe bowl and cover with plastic wrap or a microwave cover. (Do not add water.) Microwave on high for 4 minutes and set aside.
• Toss the crumb topping ingredients together with a fork until everything is evenly moistened, and set aside.
• Melt the butter in a large heavy saucepan and add the flour. Stir and cook for a minute, but don't let it brown.
• Before adding the milk and cream, it's best to heat them up, and I do this in the microwave, just heat until hot to the touch. Slowly add the hot milk/cream to the flour mixture, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Bring this up to a boil over medium heat, stirring and scraping the sides of the pan almost constantly. When the mixture has thickened and you see the first bubbles, take off the heat. Season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg.
• Let the pan sit for a minute or so to cool slightly, then whisk in the cheeses. Stir until completely melted. Add the cauliflower (if there is any water in the bowl leave it behind) and fold in well.
• Turn everything into your casserole dish and top with the crumb topping. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes until the whole casserole is bubbling and the top is starting to turn golden.

CAULIFLOWER GRATIN

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
• Cook the cauliflower florets in a large pot of boiling salted water for 5 to 6 minutes, until tender but still firm. Drain.
• Meanwhile, melt 2 tablespoons of the butter in a medium saucepan over low heat. Add the flour, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon for 2 minutes. Pour the hot milk into the butter-flour mixture and stir until it comes to a boil. Boil, whisking constantly, for 1 minute, or until thickened. Off the heat, add 1 teaspoon of salt, the pepper, nutmeg, 1/2 cup of the Gruyere, and the Parmesan.
• Pour 1/3 of the sauce on the bottom of an 8 by 11 by 2-inch baking dish. Place the drained cauliflower on top and then spread the rest of the sauce evenly on top. Combine the bread crumbs with the remaining 1/4 cup of Gruyere and sprinkle on top. Melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and drizzle over the gratin. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until the top is browned. Serve hot or at room temperature.