Cheesy Cauliflower

Ingredients

1 medium head (approx. 2lbs) cauliflower

4 Tbs butter

4 tbs all purpose flour

2 tsp mustard powder

Salt and pepper to taste

Pinch of Cayenne pepper

2 cups whole milk

1 ½ (reserve 2 Tbs) Cups grated cheese (very Sharp – something like Cabots)

Preparation

Preheat oven to 400

Trim cauliflower florets from the stalk. Discard stalk. Cut florets into 1-2 ince pieces. Steam the cauliflower for about 10 minutes until firm but tender.

Spread the florets out onto a paper towel to dry while making the cheese sauce

In a medium sauce pan, melt the butter over medium high heat, add the flour and whisk to combine. Cook for about 1-2 minutes to get rid of the flour taste.

Add the mustard powder, pinch of cayenne, black pepper and stir to combine.

Drizzle the milk in a steady stream whisking the whole time so that the mixture stays creamy.

Season with salt and bring to a simmer, stirring constantly.

When mixture thickens, add the cheese one handful at a time. Taste the sauce and adjust the salt/pepper as needed.

Spread the cauliflower florets into a 2 quart baking dish (or iron skillet), spoon the sauce over the top and sprinkle about 2 tbs of cheese over the top. Bake until browned and bubbly – about 30 minutes. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired.