Cauliflower Cheese Gratin

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 pounds cauliflower, cut into small florets
• 2 Tablespoons butter
• 1/4 cup all purpose flour
• 2 1/2 cups milk
• 1 cup cheddar cheese, grated
• 3/4 cup fresh breadcrumbs (made from day-old bread)
• 1 Tablespoon butter, melted
• white pepper

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
2. Lightly grease a 2 quart casserole dish with butter and set aside.
3. Fill a medium saucepan with water and a dash of salt and bring to a boil. Add in the cauliflower and cook for about 5 minutes.
4. Drain the cauliflower and add to the casserole dish.
5. In the meantime, melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat until butter is foamy. Slowly whisk in the flour until blended and bubbly. Remove from heat.
6. Stir in the milk gradually until smooth. Return to medium-high heat and cook, stirring continuously, until boiling. Remove from heat.
7. Stir in 3/4 cup of the cheddar cheese and season with salt and white pepper. Pour the mixture over the cauliflower.
8. Sprinkle the breadcrumbs over the top of the cheese and then lightly drizzle the remaining butter over the breadcrumbs. Top with the remainder of the cheese.
9. Place in the oven for about 5 minutes or until the top is golden brown. Serve.