Cauliflower Au Gratin

Cauliflower Au Gratin

3 packages (16 oz each) frozen cauliflower, thawed
1 large onion, chopped
1/3 cup butter, cubed
1/3 cup all purpose flour
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp ground mustard
1/4 tsp pepper
2 cups fat free milk
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

TOPPING:
1/2 cup soft whole wheat bread crumbs
2 tbsp butter, melted
1/4 tsp paprika

1.  In a Dutch oven, bring 1 inch of water to a boil.  Add cauliflower; return to a boil.  Cover and cook for 3 minutes.  Drain and pat dry.

2.  Meanwhile, in a large saucepan, saute onion in butter until tender.  Stir in the flour, salt, mustard and pepper until blended; gradually add milk.  Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 1-2 minutes or until thickened.  Remove from the heat.  Add cheese; stir until melted

3.  Place cauliflower in a 13x9 baking dish coated with cooking spray.  Pour sauce over the top.

4.  For topping, combine the bread crumbs, butter and paprika.  Sprinkle over the sauce.  Bake, uncovered, at 350* for 30-35 minutes or until bubbly.

Makes 12 servings; 3/4 cup each
Cal 142; fat 8; fiber 3

I was really surprised.  I love cauliflower, but have only had it plain and with cheese, so I was a little leery of making this.  This stuff is awesome.  I did half the recipe, because it was just for 2 people and I didn't want leftovers for days.  So I used 1 full bag, and part of another bag of frozen cauliflower.  I put it in a large glass bowl, added an inch or so of water and covered the top with plastic wrap.  I microwaved for 4-5 minutes, then let it sit in the microwave for about 5 minutes or so.  The cauliflower was slightly warm, probably close to room temperature.  I drained the water, and then dumped the cauliflower on a paper towel to get any remaining water off of it.  Then I started the sauce, and I followed the directions, just used half of the ingredients.  The sauce comes together and thickens quickly, so have your cauliflower in the pan ready to pour.  Because my sauce sat a little bit, it was very thick and not very pourable.  So I ended up stirring the cauliflower all up in order to coat the cauliflower a little better. I also sprinkled just a little more paprika over the top before I baked it.