M.F.K. Fisher Memorial Cauliflower Casserole

Ingredients

• 1 cauliflower (about 2 1/2 lb.) or 2 quarts cauliflower florets
• 1 cup whipping cream
• 1/2 teaspoon fresh-ground pepper
• 1 1/2 cups (6 oz.) shredded gruyère cheese
• Salt

Preparation

1. 1. Break cauliflower into florets, discarding core and leaves. Rinse florets.
2. 2. In a 4- to 5-quart pan over high heat, bring about 3 quarts water to a boil. Add cauliflower and cook until just tender when pierced, 5 to 8 minutes.
3. 3. Drain cauliflower and arrange in a shallow 1 1/2-quart casserole.
4. 4. Add cream to the empty pan and boil over high heat until it's reduced to 1/2 cup, stirring often, about 5 minutes.
5. 5. Drizzle cream over cauliflower, sprinkle with pepper, and cover evenly with cheese.
6. 6. Bake in a 425° oven just until cheese is lightly browned, 4 to 6 minutes. Add salt to taste.