Cauliflower Gratin with Shallots, Leeks, Ham, and Gruyere

Again, this is one of those dishes I want right now!! Great for a pot luck or family reunion.
(serves 12)

Bread-Crumb Topping:
4 slices white sandwich bread, each slice torn into quarters
2 T. kerrygold* unsalted butter
1/4 t. sea* salt
1/8 t. freshly* ground pepper

Filling:
Sea* salt
4 qts. of water
2 large heads of cauliflower (about 3 lbs.), trimmed into 3/4" florets
4 T. unsalted Kerrygold* butter
2 med. shallots, minced (about 4 T.)
6 small leeks, halved lengthwise, using white and light green parts only, and rinse well; slice
     crosswise into 1/4" pieces (about 2 cups)
12 oz. ham steak, cut into 1/2" cubes (about 2 cups)
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 T. unbleached all-purpose flour
3 cups heavy cream
Pinch of freshly grated nutmeg
Pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked* paprika*
1/4 t. kosher* salt
1/4 t. freshly* ground black pepper
2 t. minced fresh lemon* thyme leaves
1 cup plus 2 T. grated Gruyere cheese, Parmesan, or sharp cheddar

For the topping: Pulse all ingredients in a food processor until mixture resembles coarse crumbs, about ten 1 sec. pulses; set aside.

For the filling: Adjust oven rack to middle position; heat to 450. Bring 4 qts. of water to a boil in a Dutch oven or stockpot over high heat. Add 1 T. salt and cauliflower; cook until outsides are tender but insides are still slightly crunchy, 3-4 mins. Drain cauliflower in colander and rinsed under cold running tap water until cool or plunge into an ice bath*. Drain well. Heat butter in large skillet over med. heat.; when foam subsides, add shallots, leeks and ham, and cook until the onions are softened, about 2 mins.  Add garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 secs. Stir in flour until combined, about 1 min. Whisk in cream and bring to a boil. Stir in nutmeg, cayenne, 1/4 t. kosher* salt, pepper, thyme, and the cheese until incorporated. Off heat gently stir in the cauliflower until evenly combined. Transfer mixture two  8" baking dishes. Sprinkle remaining cheese over surfaces, then sprinkle evenly with bread crumb topping. Bake until golden brown and sauce is bubbling around edges, 10-12 mins. Serve immediately.

"No one can see their reflection in running water. It is only in still water that we can see."

Have FUN today!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Love,

MM