MEATLESS MONDAY

I like cauliflower but find it really boring unless it's cooked with other vegetables or has a sauce of some kind. Some sauces can be very caloric but this one is not too bad so I'm going to try it out this week. See what you think.

ROASTED CAULIFLOWER WITH CHEESE SAUCE

1 medium head cauliflower (about 2 1/4 lbs) trimmed and cut into florets

6 cloves garlic, halved lengthwise

3 tbsp. olive oil

1/2 tsp. salt (I omit)

1/4 tsp. black pepper

CHEESE SAUCE

2 tbsp. unsalted butter

2 tbsp. all-purpose flour

1 1/2 c. 2% milk

1/4 tsp. salt (I omit)

Pinch ground nutmeg

6 oz. cheddar cheese shredded (1 1/2 c.)

CAULIFLOWER: Heat oven to 450. Combine cauliflower and garlic in a large bowl. Drizzle with olive oil. While stirring, season with salt and pepper. Transfer to a rimmed baking sheet. Roast at 450 for 30 min, stirring once.

Meanwhile, prepare CHEESE SAUCE: Melt butter over medium-high heat in a medium-size saucepan (not non-stick). Whisk in flour and cook 2 min. Gradually add milk, whisking until smooth. Bring to a simmer, whisking occasionally. Season with salt and nutmeg. Simmer 4 minutes and remove from heat. Stir in shredded cheese, whisking until smooth.

Transfer roasted cauliflower and garlic to a platter. Top with cheese sauce and serve immediately.

MAKES 8 servings