Skillet Cauliflower Gratin

INGREDIENTS

4 cups 1-inch cauliflower florets (about 1/2 large head)

1 1/2 cups nonfat milk, divided

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup dry breadcrumbs, preferably whole-wheat

3/4 cup shredded sharp Cheddar cheese, divided

1/2 teaspoon extra-virgin olive oil

2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives

1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

1/4 teaspoon white pepper

PREPARATION

Position rack in upper third of oven; preheat broiler.

Bring cauliflower, 1 1/4 cups milk and salt to a boil in a large ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat. Reduce heat, cover and simmer until the cauliflower is tender, about 5 minutes.

Meanwhile, combine breadcrumbs, 1/4 cup cheese and oil in a small bowl. Whisk flour and the remaining 1/4 cup milk in another small bowl until smooth; stir the mixture into the pan and cook, stirring, until thickened, about 1 minute. Stir in the remaining 1/2 cup cheese, chives, mustard and pepper. Sprinkle with the breadcrumb mixture. Broil until the top is crispy and beginning to brown, 1 to 2 minutes.

Roasted Winter Vegetables with Cheesy Polenta

INGREDIENTS

4 cups cauliflower florets, (see Tip)

4 cups cubed peeled butternut squash, (1 1/2-inch chunks)

1 medium onion, sliced

2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

3/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper, divided

1/4 teaspoon salt

2 1/2 cups vegetable broth, or reduced-sodium chicken broth

1 cup water

3/4 cup cornmeal

1 teaspoon chopped fresh rosemary, or 1/2 teaspoon dried

2/3 cup finely shredded Parmesan cheese, preferably Parmigiano-Reggiano

PREPARATION

Preheat oven to 500°F.

Toss cauliflower, squash and onion in a large bowl with oil, garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon pepper and salt. Spread on a rimmed baking sheet. Roast, stirring once, until tender and browned in spots, 25 to 30 minutes.

Meanwhile, combine broth and water in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil. Slowly whisk in cornmeal, rosemary and the remaining 1/4 teaspoon pepper until smooth. Reduce heat to low, cover and cook, stirring occasionally, until very thick and creamy, 10 to 15 minutes. Stir in cheese; remove the polenta from the heat. Serve the vegetables over the polenta.

TIPS & NOTES

Tip: To prepare florets from a whole head of cauliflower, remove outer leaves. Slice off the thick stem. With the head upside down and holding a knife at a 45° angle, slice into the smaller stems with a circular motion—removing a “plug” from the center of the head. Break or cut florets into the desired size. To store, refrigerate in a plastic bag for up to 5 days.

Roasted Cauliflower with Blue Cheese Vinaigrette

INGREDIENTS

1 large head cauliflower, leaves trimmed

2 teaspoons plus 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil, divided

1/8 1/8 teaspoon plus 1/4 teaspoon salt, divided

2 tablespoons crumbled blue cheese

1 tablespoon white-wine vinegar

1 tablespoon water

1 tablespoon minced scallion greens

1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper

PREPARATION

Position rack in lower third of oven; preheat to 450°F. Coat a large rimmed baking sheet with cooking spray.

Cut cauliflower into quarters. Remove any extra woody core from the ends, but keep the quarters intact. Brush with 2 teaspoons oil and sprinkle with 1/8 teaspoon salt. Place cut-side down on the prepared baking sheet.

Roast the cauliflower for 15 minutes. Turn so the opposite cut sides are down. Continue roasting until tender, 15 to 20 minutes more.

Meanwhile, combine the remaining 1 tablespoon oil, the remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt, blue cheese, vinegar, water, scallion greens and pepper in a small bowl. Serve the roasted cauliflower drizzled with the vinaigrette.

Recipes provided by www.eatingwell.com