CAULIFLOWER AU GRATIN

INGREDIENTS

• 1 small-headed broccoli, cut into florets
• 1 small-headed cauliflower, cut into florets
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 large garlic cloves, chopped
• 1/4 cup flour
• 1 1/2 cups milk
• 3/ 4 cup low sodium chicken broth
• 2 1/4 cups grated white cheddar cheese
• Pinch of nutmeg
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Streusel topping
• 20 Ritz crackers
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 3 tablespoons melted butter

INSTRUCTIONS

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Spray a large baking dish with nonstick baking spray. Add broccoli and cauliflower and bake for 15 minutes until lightly browned.
In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the onion and cook for 5 minutes.Add garlic and cook for another 30 seconds. Add the flour and cook for 90 seconds, stirring constantly. Gradually add milk and chicken broth alternately. Reduce the heat and add the cheddar cheese. Stir frequently until the cheese is melted and the mixture is smooth and creamy. Add nutmeg, salt and pepper to taste.Pour over roasted broccoli and cauliflower.
Grind the cookies in a food processor. Add oregano, onion powder and melted butter. Press a few times. Sprinkle cheese sauce on top.Bake for 25-30 minutes or until lightly golden brown.

NOTES

This recipe can be made with just cauliflower or just broccoli or any combination of the two.
After washing and cutting the cauliflower and broccoli florets, dry them well because you want them to be roasted, not steamed.
Spray your pot with nonstick cooking spray to make cleaning easier.
Preheat the oven and place the casserole on the middle shelf of the oven.Use good quality cheddar cheese. That really makes a difference.
If Ritz crackers aren’t your thing, replace them with freshly ground croutons or breadcrumbs.
For extra flavor, set aside some cheddar cheese and sprinkle over the crushed crackers.
Other excellent cheeses for this dish include Gouda, Gruyere and Monterey Jack.Feel free to mix them up and have fun. Cooking is about fun and relaxation.

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