See Also: Vegetable Dishes
Carnival Cauliflower Beehive
From Dorothy McNett's Recipe book at www.dorothymcnett.com. This beautiful vegetable presentation is made possible due to the colorful Carnival Cauliflower from the Salad Savoy Corporation, "Home of Color, Taste & Nutrition".
2-4 bunches assorted Carnival Cauliflower (green, white, purple and/or orange)
3 tablespoons olive oil or butter
3 tablespoons unbleached all purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
several grindings of peppercorns
1 1/2 cups milk or half and half
1/2 cup grated Cheddar
1 teaspoon prepared horseradish, if desired
colorful tomato rose for garnish
Wash and cut the cauliflower into small flowerettes. Using a glass or ceramic batter bowl, arrange the cauliflower by alternating the colors to fill the bowl. Cover with a glass or ceramic plate. Microwave on high for 8-12 minutes. (I used 12 minutes for a very full bowl.) Allow to stand a few minutes, and then with a measuring cup compress the vegetables a bit. Place a large plate over the top and invert. The vegetables will come out standing in the shape of a tower or "beehive". Set aside.
In batter bowl combine oil, flour, salt, pepper and milk whisking well. Microwave on high for 2 minutes. Whisk well. Microwave another 2 minutes, whisk and then cook perhaps an additional minute or two to make sure the flour has cooked and the mixture has thickened. Blend in the cheese and horseradish. Pour half of the sauce over the cauliflower and top with a tomato rose garnish. Serve the remaining sauce in a small dish for additional dipping or drizzling.
Recipe created 2008-10-31.
