Cauliflower and Leek Gratin and another one of my favorite Cauliflower Gratin Recipes

I eat a lot of Cauliflower so I'm always looking for interesting ways to make it. I add raw Cauliflower to Salads, I make Cauliflower Soup, other Gratin recipes and Roasted. I like this addition of Leeks to a Cauliflower Gratin.

Here's what you'll need:
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
1 - 2 Quart Gratin Dish, well Buttered.

Water to cover the Florets.
1 - 3 Pound Head of Cauliflower broken into Florets.
2 Leeks, White and Light Green parts only. Trim into 1/4" slices.
2 Shallots, Peeled and Thinly Sliced.
4 TBS Butter
1 tsp Red Pepper Flakes. Additional to taste.
1 tsp Finely Chopped Fresh Thyme Leaves.
1/4 C Flour
1 1/2 C Heavy Cream
1 1/2 C Grated Gruyere Cheese. You can also use Emmental or your favorite  Swiss Cheese.
Freshly Ground Black Pepper to taste.

In a large Soup Pot or Dutch Oven on Medium High Heat:
Bring Water to a Boil.

Add:
Cauliflower
Cook 2 minutes.
Drain, Rinse under Cold Water.
Transfer to a Large Mixing Bowl and set aside.

In a Saucepan on Medium Low Heat:
Butter
Heat until melted.

Add:
Leeks
Shallots
Red Pepper Flakes
Thyme
Mix well.
Cook, stirring often for 5 minutes.

Add:
Flour
Stir to combine well.

Add:
Heavy Cream, Slowly, stirring constantly just until well combined.

Increase heat to Medium High.
Bring to a Boil for 3 minutes, until it Thickens.
Remove from Heat.

Add:
3/4 C Cheese
Pepper to taste.
Stir until well combined.
Pour over Cauliflower.
Gently stir just to coat well.
Transfer to the Gratin Dish.
Sprinkle evenly with Remaining Cheese.
Bake for 25 minutes.
After Baking, Broil the top until Golden Brown (about 5 minutes).

Enjoy!
Peace in the Kitchen!


Here's my other favorite Recipe:

Cauliflower Gratin

Here's what you'll need:
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
A 2 Quart Gratin Dish, well buttered.

1 3 lb. Head of Cauliflower broken into Florets.
8 oz. Heavy Cream
4 oz. Milk
1 C Grated Cheddar Cheese + 1/4 C for Sprinkling prior to baking.
2 Eggs
Salt and Pepper to taste
A Pinch of Nutmeg
4 TBS Bread Crumbs ( Italian flavored if you like)

In a Saucepan with Boiling Water:
Cauliflower
Boil for 3 minutes.
Drain
Place in the Gratin Dish

In a Mixing Bowl:
Cream
Milk
1 C of the Cheese
Eggs
Whisk well.

Add:
Salt
Pepper
Nutmeg
Mix well.
Pour over the Cauliflower.

In a Mixing Bowl:
Breadcrumbs
Remaining Cheese
Mix well.
Sprinkle evenly over the Cauliflower.
Bake for 30 minutes.
It should be Golden Brown.


Enjoy!
Peace in the Kitchen!