cauliflower macaroni bake

this week, i had a guest chef in my kitchen :)

introducing.....  miss candice hammel

(on the right in both pics)

she is single. just sayin! :)

ANYWAY,

she whipped up this martha stewart pasta creation.

i kinda helped :)

ingredients

1 teaspoon extra-virgin olive oil

1 small head cauliflower, cored and chopped (3 cups)

6 garlic cloves, roughly chopped

4 medium shallots, roughly chopped

Coarse salt and freshly ground black pepper

4 teaspoons all-purpose flour

4 cups skim milk

1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg

6 ounces pecorino cheese, grated (2 cups)

1/2 pound medium multigrain pasta shells

1/4 pound sliced smoked ham, chopped

1 medium bunch broccoli, trimmed and cut into florets (5 cups)

1/2 cup toasted whole-wheat panko

directions

1. heat oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat.

add cauliflower, garlic, shallots, and 1/2 teaspoon salt;

cook until softened but not brown, about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

sprinkle with flour; stir to coat well.

2. gradually stir in milk; bring to a boil.

reduce heat; gently simmer until cauliflower is very soft, about 15 minutes.

let cool for 5 minutes.

3. transfer all to a blender, and puree with nutmeg and

half the pecorino until smooth, about 2 minutes.

4. preheat oven to 400 degrees.

5. meanwhile, bring a large pot of water to a boil.

cook pasta until slightly tender but not fully cooked, about 5 minutes.

drain well; return to pot.

6. add ham, broccoli, and cauliflower sauce; toss to combine.

transfer to a ovenproof 3 1/2-quart baking dish.

7. sprinkle with remaining pecorino, and bake until bubbling in center, about 30 minutes.

heat broiler, and broil until golden brown on top, 1 to 2 minutes.

let cool for 5 minutes.

8. divide among dishes, top with breadcrumbs, and serve immediately.

i really liked this dish.

it just needed a little extra oomph!

changes we'd make for next time:

double the ham

add a bit more pepper & garlic

that's about it! loved it :)