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1 whole head of cauliflower, white, orange or purple
Filling
2 Tbsp. olive oil
1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
1 large shallot, finely chopped
1 clove garlic, minced
5 ounces (approximately) arugula, finely chopped
4 slices of turkey bacon (or regular bacon) cooked and cut
into small pieces
2 eggs
1 1/2 cups grated sharp white cheddar cheese
1/4 cup Half & Half or milk
1/2 cup panko 1/2 tsp. salt
1 tsp. black pepper
Crust
Mix together:
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan
1/4 cup panko
4 Tbsp. melted butter
DIRECTIONS
Prepare cauliflower by removing all the leaves (including carefully removing inner leaves) and enough of the stem to make the bottom of the head of cauliflower flat enough to sit on a baking tray. When the cauliflower is turned upside down, you will see all kinds of nooks and crannies, into which you will pipe the filling. Be careful not to break any of the florets or stems as you clear off the leaves.
Bring a large pot of water to a boil and cook the entire head of cauliflower for 8 minutes. This is just a partial cooking, so be sure not to cook all the way through. The timing may vary depending upon the size of your cauliflower. Remove from water, drain and cool. Set aside.
Meanwhile, heat olive oil in frying pan and cook onions, shallots and garlic until translucent. Add chopped arugula and continue to cook until arugula is wilted. Remove from heat and cool for about 5 minutes. Transfer the onion mixture to a mixing bowl. Add remaining filling ingredients and mix well.
Place the filling mixture into a pastry bag, fitted with a wide tip. You can also just use the coupler and the regular bag opening, to squeeze the filling into the cauliflower. If you do not have a pastry bag, then you can stuff the cauliflower using a small spoon and your fingers, pushing the filling deep in between the florets and reaching the center and beyond, toward the top of the cauliflower.
Once all of the filling has been used, turn the cauliflower right side up on a greased baking sheet. Now, using your hands, pat the crust mixture all around the cauliflower to make a nice coating all the way around, except the bottom.
Bake at 400 F for approximately 30 to 35 minutes, until crust is golden brown and a knife inserts easily into the cauliflower. Slice in wedges and serve hot!
Reach the reporter at:
Lamorinda Weekly, Moraga CA