Cauliflower cheese tonight - do you cook the green leafy bits of the cauli?

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I never have but dh looked aghast when I admitted it. If you cook the green bits, how do you prepare them?

And any tips for avoiding cauli cheese wateriness much appreciated!

I don't cook the green bits.

you can - they are perfectly edible, but most don't. Just cut the stalks out (or rip the bits of leaves off if you are me).

I don't tend to do it for cauliflower cheese, but would for cauliflower soup.

Drain cauliflower well to prevent wateriness - leave in drainer for about 5 mins.

I don't, but if I have use for it, I add it to the water whilst cooking the cauliflower, and use it for stock.

But only if I am being organised. Which is not often.

No, I've never heard of cooking the leaves too!

Re: wateriness. IME the trick is to make the sauce nice and thick and not put too much on -- water will come out of the veg when it cooks anyway. I also let it stand for a few mins before serving.

TheArmadillo, do you mean you steam/boil the cauli before baking? I've never done this -- just bung it raw in the dish, cover with sauce, breadcrumbs mixed with grated cheese on top, then oven for 30-40 mins. Yum

never heard of cooking the leaves, not even MIL does that and she serves cheese sauce and gravy on the same plate

I personally don't cook the cauliflower first.

I make the sauce, then I mix with washed uncooked cauliflower and then cook on about 6 for 45 mins.

I cover with foil for about 25-30 mins (minus the cheese topping so it steams/bakes, then take the foil off add cheese (or cheese/breadcrumbs) then back for 15-20 mins to brown the top while continuing to cook the cauliflower.

I hate soggy cauliflower. This way it stays crisp with some flavour.

excellent, I suspected dh was being odd.

I'm off to make it!

i serve cheese sauce and gravy on the same plate! tis yum

I always boil/steam mine first while making the sauce and then bake for about 20-30 mins. I don't put breadcrumbs on mine either.

Is best imo with cauliflower, brocolli, mushrooms (sauted first) and carrots - all boiled/steamed first and served with roast potatoes and baked beans. And sometimes bacon.

I eat cheese sauce and gravy together - I also eat gravy and baked beans together - I would eat all three together, dp's face = (with vomit not envy).

This is making me long for cauliflower - dp hates the stuff and so i never get it Not worth making cauliflower cheese for one.

Leeks are very nice in it, too. And sausages, if you really want to push the boat out!

I don't cook the cauliflower first, just wash it and break into smallish florettes into a pyrex bowl. It may take a little longer to bake but I love the crunchy layer on the top of the cheese sauce. Don't put tomatoes on the top before cooking as these make it squishy.

I love cauliflower cheese.

Oh, Hi Pavlov - just saw we do it in a similar way.

What is really nice is if you put a thin layer of pesto sauce on the bottom of the bowl before puting in the veg and cheese sauce - don't mix is as it bubbles up when you cook it.

Armadillo - I have to disagree. chips and baked beans. and it is worth making it for one...DH is out this evening with DD and I am alone, and wondering what to do for tea....and then this thread inspired me..

cauliflower cheese, chips and beans. Mmmmmm

I make it for one! I usually end up making different meals for each of us - I once managed to make 4 and there is only 3 of us.

mm was yummy. I chucked in the leaves (thanks armadillo!) and they were actually really lovely; a bit more of an intense flavour and a good texture contrast...

Next time I'll chuck it all into the oven together - steamed it today and there was no wateriness, but like the sound of the lazier option

thanks everyone - Pavlov, if you had some too tonight I hope it was LUSH

and armadillo - it is SO GOOD - definitely worth making for one!!!