M: Brussels Sprouts and Cauliflower Gratin

How was your Monday? Mine ended on a very good note. Since the hubs worked extra late I put my favorite movie on (my most favorite book as well, Eat Pray Love) and relaxed with my pups. Secretly I was also super lazy because I could barely move I was so sore from Sunday’s yoga session.

So, another secret, I also have historically not been a huge fan of brussels sprouts. I know, it’s a travesty. There are a lot of people, including my husband, who chastise me for this fact…or more just make fun of me =) I mean, really, I love almost any veggie you put in front of my face, what’s the big deal about brussels sprouts?

BUT, can I please now say I am officially a brussels sprouts fan? Oh yes, yes I am…All because of this recipe. It is SO good. I could eat them all day in this dish. The creamy béchamel-like sauce that is tossed with the veggies along with the crispy panko topping? DELICIOUS! I definitely plan to do this using broccoli next time.

Brussels Sprouts and Cauliflower Gratin

from Cooking Light

4 cups cauliflower florets (about 1 lb.)

4 cups trimmed brussels sprouts, trimmed and quartered (about 1 3/4 lb.)

1/4 cup AP flour

1 1/2 cups 1% milk

2/3 cup half and half

3/4 tsp. salt

1/4 tsp. pepper

1/8 tsp. nutmeg

4 slices center cut bacon, chopped

2 cups sweet onion, chopped

3 garlic cloves, minced

1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese

1/4 cup panko

Preheat oven to 375 degrees

Cook cauliflower and brussels sprouts in boiling water for about 2 minutes. Drain.

Combine flour, milk, half and half, salt, pepper, and nutmeg into a bowl and whisk together until well combined.

Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add bacon and cook until it begins to brown, stirring occasionally. Add onion and garlic. Cook 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Stir in milk mixture. Bring to a simmer. Cook 5 minutes or until thick, stirring constantly (mine thickened pretty quickly).

Remove from heat. Stir in your veggies. Spoon into an 11 x 7 inch broiler safe dish coated with cooking spray.

Cover with foil and bake for about 20 minutes. Remove from oven. Preheat broiler to high. Remove foil from dish. Combine cheese and panko. Sprinkle over vegetable mixture. Broil 4 minutes or until browned.

Enjoy!

P.S. Marley