Cauliflower Cheese

This recipe uses a classic cheese sauce, which is the basis for so many dishes that it really is worth mastering. However, you could always use a ready-made shop-bought one if you’re short of time. It also works brilliantly with broccoli cooked in exactly the same manner or use a mixture of both vegetables.

1. Place the milk in a pan with the onion, bay leaf and peppercorns. Bring to scalding point (it will be steamy and small bubbles appear at the edge), then remove from the heat, cover and set aside to infuse for at least 10 and up to 30 minutes.  Strain through a sieve into a jug.
2. Wipe out the pan and use to melt half the butter. Stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring. Remove from the heat and gradually pour in the infused milk, whisking until smooth after each addition.  Season to taste and bring to the boil, whisking constantly.  Then reduce the heat and simmer gently for 5 minutes until smooth and thickened, stirring occasionally. Stir in half of the cheese until melted.
3. Preheat the oven to 200°C, Gas mark 6. Place the cauliflower in a steamer set over a pan of boiling water and sprinkle over salt to taste.  Cover and cook for 5-10 minutes until just tender – check by piercing a stem with a small, sharp knife.
4. Spread a couple of tablespoons of the cheese sauce in the bottom of a buttered ovenproof dish, large enough to take the amount of cauliflower cheese comfortably.  Tip in the cauliflower and arrange in an even layer then cover with the remaining cheese sauce.  Melt the rest of the butter in a small pan or in the microwave and stir in the breadcrumbs, then fold in the rest of the cheese.  Season to taste.  Sprinkle over the cauliflower mixture and bake for 25-30 minutes or until bubbling and golden.
5. To serve, place the cauliflower cheese straight on the table and allow everyone to help themselves.