Monday, May 20, 2013

Cauliflower Bake with Hazelnut Crunch Crust



An ode to Béchamel.  Oh how I love the French and their sauces, but this is my fav. I’ve yet to find a vegetable or carb (even eggs and meat) that doesn’t taste wonderful with a béchamel, YUM! This rendition includes cheese; the French call it a Mornay Sauce.

2 tbsp. butter, ¼ cup AP flour, 2 cups of lukewarm milk, ¼ of an onion with 1 clove and 1 bay leaf used for infusing of the sauce and removed later.  A pinch of white pepper, nutmeg and salt, and grated Gruyere, 3-lbs cauliflower cut into florets, ¼ cup hazelnuts chopped and 1 slice extra-crunchy toast, roughly chopped.  The Mornay is poured over the cauliflower and sprinkled with the nuts and crumbs.  

Once baked the tender cauliflower and cheesy morney balance so nicely with the crunchy toasted topping.  I was compelled to take just one more bite, and another, and another.  Needless to say it wasn’t long until it all disappeared. As I taste this delight I can imagine how lovely it would be to use broccoli or maybe a combination of a variety of vegetables.  I might even use a blend of cheeses next time.  Another hit Rachel, thanks to “The little Paris kitchen”.

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