Cauliflower With Two Cheeses And Creme Fraiche Recipes

TWO CHEESE CAULIFLOWER

Steps:

• Preheat the grill to its highest setting.
• Place the florets and a few of the inner leaves in a steamer with the pieces of bay leaf tucked amongst it.
• Pour in some boiling water from the kettle, sprinkle over some freshly grated nutmeg and salt, then cover and steam until tender.
• This should take about 12 minutes.
• After this time, test the thickest parts with a skewer to see if they are tender, then remove it to the baking dish and cover with a cloth to keep warm.
• Now pour 3 fl oz of the steaming water into a saucepan, add the crème fraîche and simmer.
• Whisk well until it has thickened very slightly, then add the cheeses.
• Heat this gently for about a minute, whisking, until the cheeses have melted.
• Season the sauce to taste and pour over the cauliflower.
• Scatter the spring onions and remaining parmesan over the dish, then sprinkle with the cayenne.
• Finally, place the dish under the hot grill until the cauliflower has browned and the sauce is bubbling.

CHEESY BAKED PENNE WITH CAULIFLOWER AND CRèME FRAîCHE

Steps:

• Cook cauliflower in large pot of boiling salted water until crisp-tender, about 5 minutes. Using large sieve, transfer cauliflower to bowl. Add tomatoes to pot; cook 1 minute. Remove from water; peel and dice tomatoes. Reserve pot of water.
• Melt 2 tablespoons butter in large skillet over medium-high heat. Add cauliflower; sauté until beginning to brown, about 5 minutes. Add tomatoes and green onions. Cook 1 minute to blend flavors. Remove from heat. Season with coarse salt and pepper.
• Melt 2 tablespoons butter in large saucepan over medium-low heat. Add flour and stir 2 minutes. Gradually whisk in cream. Cook until sauce thickens, whisking occasionally, about 4 minutes. Add 2 cups Comté cheese; whisk until melted and sauce is smooth. Whisk in 1/2 cup Parmesan, then crème fraîche and mustard. Season with salt and pepper. Remove from heat.
• Return reserved pot of water to boil. Add pasta and cook until tender but still firm to bite, stirring occasionally. Drain; return pasta to same pot. Stir in cauliflower mixture and sauce.
• Butter 13x9x2-inch glass baking dish. Spoon in half of pasta mixture; sprinkle with 1/2 cup Comté cheese. Top with remaining pasta mixture and 1/2 cup Comté cheese. Melt remaining 1 tablespoon butter in small skillet. Add breadcrumbs and toss to coat. Remove from heat; mix in 1/4 cup Parmesan. Sprinkle crumbs over pasta. DO AHEAD: Can be made 2 hours ahead. Let stand at room temperature.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Bake pasta uncovered until heated through and bubbling, about 35 minutes.
• *Sold at some supermarkets and at specialty foods stores.