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Thursday, March 15, 2012

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 :)

2 comments: