Individual Stilton Cauliflower Cheeses Recipes

INDIVIDUAL STILTON CAULIFLOWER CHEESES

Steps:

• Heat the oven to 200°C/fan180°C/ gas 6. Bring a pan of salted water to the boil and cook the cauliflower for 2 minutes, then drain and set aside.
• Melt the butter in a saucepan over a medium heat, then stir through the flour and paprika. Cook for a minute until the flour begins to smell biscuity, stir through the mustard, then, very slowly, and stirring all the time, pour in the milk - you should end up with a thick sauce that easily coats the back of a spoon. If it's not thick enough, let it bubble away for a few minutes, stirring often. Stir through the cheese and chives, then season.
• Divide the cauliflower among 4 x 20cm x 10cm gratin dishes, and pour the cheese sauce over each. Scatter the breadcrumbs over the top, and bake for 20 minutes or so, until the tops of the gratins are golden and crisp, and the sauce is bubbling (pop under a hot grill for 2 minutes at the end if they need more colour). Allow to stand for a few minutes, then serve with leftover cold meat or roast chicken.

CREAM OF CAULIFLOWER AND STILTON SOUP

Steps:

• Separate 3/4 cup of the cauliflower florets and place them in a pan of boiling water. Boil for 2 to 3 minutes, then rinse under cold water, and set aside for garnish.
• Heat oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add onion, garlic, leek and celery. Cook, stirring, until tender, about 5 minutes. Add potato, chicken broth, uncooked cauliflower and sherry. Bring to a boil, then simmer over low heat, stirring occasionally until potatoes and cauliflower are tender. Remove from heat.
• Puree the cauliflower mixture in batches using a food processor or blender, and transfer to a soup pot over medium-low heat. I like it smooth but still with little tiny bits in it. Season with white pepper, black pepper and salt. Stir in the milk and cream, then crumble in the Stilton cheese. Heat through, but do not boil.
• Ladle into bowls, and garnish with cauliflower pieces and chopped fresh parsley.

CREAM OF CAULIFLOWER AND STILTON SOUP

Steps:

• Blanch 1 cup cauliflower florets in medium pot of boiling salted water until just crisp-tender, about 2 minutes. Drain. Rinse under cold water; drain well. Set aside.
• Melt butter in heavy large saucepan over medium heat. Add onion, leek, celery, and remaining cauliflower. Cover and cook until onion is tender but not brown, stirring frequently, about 8 minutes. Add flour and stir 2 minutes. Gradually stir in vegetable broth. Add 1 cup milk. Bring mixture to a boil. Reduce heat. Cover partially and simmer until vegetables are very tender and soup thickens, stirring occasionally, about 20 minutes. Puree soup in blender in batches until smooth. Return to same saucepan. (Cauliflower and soup can be prepared 1 day ahead. Cover separately and refrigerate. Bring cauliflower to room temperature before using.)
• Bring soup to simmer, thinning with more milk, if desired. Gradually add Stilton, stirring until melted. Season to taste with white pepper and salt.
• Ladle soup into bowls. Garnish with reserved cauliflower and serve.