Cauliflower and Ham Gratin

By Nalli

Real Simple Magazine has become one of my favorite reads. I found this recipe in 2007. It makes a delicious Winter comfort meal.

Ingredients

• 2 T. unsalted butter
• 1 medium onion, sliced
• 8 oz. ham steak, cut into 1/2 inch pieces
• 1 1/2 C. heavy cream
• 1/2 C. whole milk (skim??)
• 4 oz. goat cheese, crumbled
• Salt and pepper
• 1 head cauliflower, cut into florets
• 3 T. bread crumbs
• 8 sprigs thyme

Preparation

Step 1

Heat oven to 400 degrees.
Melt the butter in a large a sauce pan over medium-high heat. Add the onion and cook until softened and light golden brown, about 6 minutes. Add the ham and cook 2 minutes. Add the cream, milk, cheese, 1/4 t. salt, and freshly ground pepper. Reduce heat to medium - low.
Simmer until thickened, about 4 minutes. Add the well drained cauliflower.
Transfer to a 2 quart casserole dish and sprinkle with the bread crumbs and thyme. Cover with foil. Bake for 20 minutes. Uncover and continue baking until the cauliflower is tender, 15 - 20 minutes.
Remove from oven and let rest at least 5 minutes before serving.
(If too watery, thicken with cornstarch before baking.)