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. Melt the butter. Add the flour and mix to make a roux. A roux is when you mix melted butter and