Broccoli Au Gratin
A very impressive, tasty starter for a large family meal. It can be done ahead of time and heated at the last minute. You will need: - 2 kg of beautifully green, fresh and firm broccoli boiled crisp, and drained. Cut into medium sized florets. If the broccoli is with its stalk, cut off, peel, then cut into two 5 cm long sticks. The stalks must be boiled as well. - 200 gms of thick bacon cut in small cubes. - 150 gms of Cheddar, Gouda or Emmental (or a mixture of the three) - 50 gms of fresh butter. - 50 gms flour. - 1 liter of milk boiled and and kept hot. - 1/2 liter heavy cream at room temperature. - Salt, freshly grated pepper and nutmeg. Method: - Preheat oven to maximum. - Butter a 5 cm deep by 35 cm by 30 cm rectangular oven proof dish. - Prepare the béchamel sauce using all the butter, the flour, the milk and the cream. The consistency should be fluid to heavy. ...