Baked Cucumbers With Cauliflower Recipes

JULIA CHILD'S BAKED CUCUMBERS WITH ALL VARIATIONS

Steps:

• Peel the cucumbers.
• Cut in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds with a spoon.
• Cut into lengthwise strips about 3/8 inch wide.
• Cut strips into 2 inch pieces.
• Toss the cucumber in a bowl with the vinegar, salt and sugar.
• Let stand for 30 minutes to several hours.
• Drain and pat dry in a towel.
• Preheat oven to 375.
• Toss the cucumbers in a baking dish with the butter, herbs, scallions and pepper.
• Set uncovered in the middle level of the preheated oven for about an hour, tossing 2-3 times, until cucumbers are tender, but still have a suggestion of crispiness and texture. They will barely color during cooking.
• Variation One: Parslied Cucumbers.
• In a warm vegetable dish toss with 2 Tbsp minced parsley.
• Variation Two: Creamed Cucumbers.
• Boil 1 cup whipping cream until it has reduced by half. Season with salt and pepper, fold into the hot baked cucumbers, sprinkle with parsley and serve.

BAKED CUCUMBERS WITH CAULIFLOWER

Steps:

• Steam the cauliflower florets for approx 5 minutes- You want them to be crisp.
• Place you prepared cucumber halves in a baking dish cavity side up.
• Dot cucumber halves with butter/margarine, sprinkle with dill weed.
• Divide the jalapeno and cauliflower between the two halves filling the cavities.
• Season with salt and pepper.
• Sprinkle on the soy sauce and parmesan cheese (if using).
• Pour the stock/water between the halves on the bottom of the baking dish.
• Bake uncovered in a 375°F oven for approx 30 minutes.
• Time depends on the thickness of the cucumber.
• Enjoy.

CREAMY BAKED CAULIFLOWER

Steps:

• Put the milk, quartered onion, mace and bay leaves in a pan, and bring to a simmer. Turn off the heat, set aside for 1 hr to infuse, then strain.
• Meanwhile, bring a large pan of water to the boil. Tip in the cauliflower and cook for 5 mins until just tender. Drain and set aside, uncovered, in a colander to steam-dry.
• Put the pan back on the heat, then add the knob of butter and the chopped onion. Gently soften onion for 10 mins until really soft but not coloured.
• In a medium-sized pan, melt the butter, then stir in the flour to form a paste. Cook for 2 mins, then gradually stir in the strained milk to form a smooth sauce. Bring to the boil and simmer, stirring often, until thickened and smooth. Stir in the softened onion and season well with salt and nutmeg.
• Heat oven to 220C/200C fan/gas 7. Tip the cauliflower into an ovenproof dish and pour over the sauce. Can be covered and chilled for up to 2 days at this stage or frozen. Scatter the cauliflower with the breadcrumbs, then bake for 30 mins until the sauce is bubbling and the top is golden and crisp.