Day 214: Au Gratin Broccoli and Cauliflower

It is so nice to be home and back in the swing of things.  I missed DO cooking everyday, but it was a nice break and now I'm ready to be back and better than ever!  There are some real advantages to DO cooking in summer.  I know its hot outside, but inside my kitchen its nice and cool.  So while I'm waiting for coals to heat or water to boil I step inside and know my house won't be sweltering hot.

On Wednesday I get to compete in my second DO cook off at the Wasatch County Fair in Heber, Utah.  My friend, Kris Aagard and I, will be cooking up some deliciousness (hopefully within the allotted time), and winning some great prizes!  I'm looking forward to having some competition this time.  It should be a lot of fun.  I'll share the recipes later this week!

Speaking of recipes, I got this one from a friend.  I'm always looking for new and exciting ways to serve veggies.  We get really tired of boiled frozen veggies.  Boring!!  And with all the great fresh produce available why settle for frozen?

Au Gratin Broccoli and Cauliflower
10" dutch oven

16 oz. fresh broccoli and cauliflower
1/2 cup mayonnaise (reduced fat works too)
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
3 green onions, sliced (I didn't have any of these)
1 clove minced garlic
1 T. Dijon mustard
1/8 tsp. cayenne pepper
1 T. Italian bread crumbs
1/4 tsp. paprika

In your dutch oven, cook the vegetables until they are crisp tender.  Drain well and put back in your dutch oven.  While the vegetables are cooking, stir together the mayonnaise, cheddar and Parmesan cheeses, green onions, garlic, mustard and red pepper.  Spoon the mixture over the drained vegetables.  Sprinkle with bread crumbs and paprika.  Bake at 350° for 20-25 minutes.  Use 1 ring on top and 1 ring on the bottom.  Serves 6-8.

The Finished Product

Ooh!  Thats a little dark!  Sorry!

The Review

My family loved this.  Me?  Not so much.  My kids went back for seconds and, in some cases, thirds.  They raved about how good it was.  I don't know what was wrong with me.  I usually like this kind of dish.  I ate it and it was good, I just didn't think it was great.  Maybe I wasn't in the mood for it or it could be because I wasn't very hungry last night.  Either way, my kids gave this a B+.  Which if you have kids, you know thats a glowing review for veggies.