CAULIFLOWER AND HORSERADISH GRATIN

Cauliflower and Horseradish Gratin image

Provided by Barbara Hansen

Yield Serves 8 to 10

Number Of Ingredients 10

3 1/2 pounds cauliflower, trimmed, cut into florets (about 8 cups)
6 tablespoons unsalted butter
3 tablespoons all purpose flour
2 cups half and half
7 tablespoons prepared white horseradish
1 teaspoon white wine vinegar
Ground nutmeg
1 cup packed grated Fontina cheese (about 4 ounces)
1/2 tablespoon Dijon mustard
2 cups fresh French breadcrumbs

Steps:

Preheat oven to 375°F. Steam cauliflower until crisp-tender, about 9 minutes. Transfer to 13x9x2-inch glass baking dish. Melt 3 tablespoons butter in heavy large saucepan over medium heat. Add flour and stir 2 minutes (do not brown). Gradually whisk in half and half. Cook until sauce boils and thickens, whisking constantly, about 4 minutes. Mix in 5 tablespoons horseradish and vinegar. Season to taste with nutmeg, salt and pepper. Pour sauce over cauliflower and mix to coat. Sprinkle cheese over. (Can be made 1 day ahead. Cover and chill.)
Melt 3 tablespoons butter in heavy medium skillet over medium heat. Mix in mustard and remaining 2 tablespoons horseradish. Add breadcrumbs; stir until crumbs are golden brown, about 9 minutes. Sprinkle over cauliflower.
Bake until cauliflower is heated through, about 25 minutes.