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Monday, September 6, 2010

Cauliflower Cheese with Bacon Recipe

I always like experimenting with traditional dishes and this is one of those old time favourites that I have given a bit of a twist to.
If you prefer it without the bacon, just delete that from the recipe. You will find that the kids will love it with the bacon and it encourages them to eat their vegetables.
This amount will serve at least 6 adults so you can always halve it if cooking for less.

INGREDIENTS:
1 small cauliflower or half a large one
1 brown onion - peeled and chopped
4 rashers of short cut bacon - diced
30g (2 tablespoons) butter
2 tablespoons plain flour
1 1/2 cups milk (can use hi-lo)
1 large teaspoon dijon mustard
3/4 cup tasty cheese
1 tablespoon finely grated fresh parmesan cheese
1/2 cup fresh breadcrumbs (can use wholemeal if preferred)
sea salt and fresh ground black pepper to taste
extra 1/2 cup cheese
sprinkle of nutmeg (optional)

METHOD:
Preheat oven to 180C
Steam or microwave cauliflower florets until only just cooked but still firm. Place into an ovenproof dish that has been slightly greased with a little butter.
Heat butter in medium size saucepan and when starting to bubble, add onion and about 2/3 of the bacon. Cook over moderate heat until softened. Add flour to this while still over heat and continue to stir for about 2 minute or until the flour is thoroughly cooked.
While still over heat, add the milk, all at once while continuing to stir the mixture. Don't worry that it will go lumpy as it won't and will be nice and smooth once it is cooked. Bring it to the boil and then turn heat down to low. Add the mustard, 2/3 cup cheese and the parmesan cheese, a sprinkle of nutmeg, salt and pepper.
When cheese is completely melted pour over the cauliflower. Top with the fresh breadcrumbs, extra cheese and bacon.
Bake for 15 - 20 minutes or until the top is lovely and golden.
Serve as a side dish to your favourite roast or meal.