Puffed Cauliflower with Cheese

Serves 4-6

• 1 medium cauliflower
• 1/4 cup butter
• 2 tbsp. butter for brushing dish
• 1 cup light cream
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup fine bread crumbs
• panko crumbs for topping
• 3 eggs, separated
• 1 1/2 cups grated cheddar cheese

Preparation: Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

Cut cauliflower into florets, cook until tender and drain. Heat butter in saucepan, add flour, stir over heat for 2 minutes, remove from heat. Add cream gradually, stirring with a whisk until smooth. Add salt and pepper and 2/3 of the crumbs. Stir in beaten egg yolks, grated cheese and lastly, the cauliflower, being careful not to break up.

Beat egg whites until stiff and carefully fold into the mixture. Pour into greased baking dish and sprinkle remaining crumbs over the top, baking for about 30 minutes until risen and golden in colour.

I have used this recipe over the years and never get tired of it. It works well with almost any meal but exceptionally good with Rack of Lamb.