Veggie Monday

Monday was so warm we came close to breaking the all time record high temperature of 82 degrees F. But, we will soon be returning to more seasonal temperatures in Michigan as a cold front moves through.

At home after work, I opened all the windows I could and then took a leisurely stroll around my back yard, checking things out.

Back inside, I decided to make a dish I have been anxious to try (after Sunday's flops, I need a hit!) It takes a while, so I got started on my Cauliflower Cheese Pie.

I preheated my oven to 400 degrees F. and greased a 9 x 9 glass baking dish. To make the crust, I grated two cups of peeled potatoes and 1/4 cup of an onion. I used a kitchen towel to squeeze the extra liquid from the grated potatoes. In a medium size mixing bowl, I combined the grated potatoes, onions, one egg, some salt and a tablespoon of flour. I transferred the mixture to the prepared baking dish, and patted it down with a rubber spatula. I baked it for 30 minutes. Then I brushed the crust with olive oil, and baked it for another 10 minutes. I removed the crust from the oven and reduced the oven's temperature to 350 degrees F.

Here's how I made the filling: I heated Canola oil in my large skillet until hot. I reduced the temperature to medium and saut�ed a chopped medium onion, two cloves of minced garlic, 1/2 teaspoon of dried thyme, the same amount of dried basil, more salt and pepper in the hot oil. I cooked it for about 8 to 10 minutes.

I cored a head of cauliflower and gave that a rough chop. I stirred the cauliflower into the pan and cooked it for another 15 minutes. I spread 3/4 cup of shredded Cheddar cheese onto the potato crust and then spooned the vegetables on top of the cheese. I sprinkled another 3/4 cup of shredded cheese over the saut�ed vegetables.

I beat 1/4 cup of milk and two eggs together in a small bowl, and then poured it over the vegetables and cheese. Finally, I sprinkled 1/4 teaspoon of paprika over the mixture. I baked the pie for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the custard was set and the top of the pie was slightly browned.

I let it cool for a while and then ate my vegetarian dinner. Very good! This would make a nice side dish for almost any meal.

I watched a very strange British movie called the Wicker Man that Jake and Carla recommended and then switched to reading until bedtime.