Cheddar Basil Cauliflower Food

CHEDDAR CHEESE-STUFFED CAULIFLOWER

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
• Bring a large pot of water to a boil over high heat. Sprinkle generously with salt. Trim the base of the cauliflower so the stem is flat to the head but without cutting off any florets. Blanch the cauliflower until just beginning to soften, 8 to 10 minutes. Remove to a plate to cool slightly.
• In a small skillet, heat the butter until melted. Add the breadcrumbs and 1/2 teaspoon salt and toast until golden brown, about 3 minutes. Set aside to cool completely. Stir in the Parmesan and basil.
• Gently begin to create space in between the florets and stuff each space with a log of Cheddar. Continue until all the pieces of cheese are used. Press the toasted breadcrumbs on top of the cauliflower. Place in a small baking dish and bake until the cauliflower is tender all the way through and the breadcrumbs are golden, about 20 minutes.

CAULIFLOWER-CHEDDAR SOUP

Steps:

• Melt the butter in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the onion and garlic; cook, stirring, until they start softening, about 4 minutes. Add the cauliflower, bay leaf, rosemary, 1 teaspoon salt and a few grinds of pepper. Cook, stirring, until the cauliflower starts browning, 5 minutes. Stir in the flour until absorbed, about 1 minute. Add the chicken broth and milk; bring to a boil. Reduce the heat; simmer until the cauliflower is tender, 30 minutes. Remove the bay leaf.
• Working in batches, transfer the soup to a blender and puree until smooth (or puree in the pot with an immersion blender). Return the soup to the pot over medium heat. Stir in the cheese until melted; add up to 1 cup water if the soup is too thick.
• Add the sherry; season with salt and pepper. Sprinkle with nutmeg and serve with cheese straws.

CHEDDAR CAULIFLOWER

Steps:

• Place the cauliflower and water in a microwave-safe dish.
• Cover and cook on high for 4-1/2 minutes and stir.
• Cook 4-6 minutes longer or until tender.
• Drain.
• Combine sour cream, chives, salt and pepper and spoon over the cauliflower.
• Sprinkle with cheese.
• Microwave, uncovered, on high for 1 1/2 minutes or until cheese is melted.