Cauliflower and Ham Gratin

Serves: 4

2 T. unsalted butter
1 medium onion sliced
8 oz. ham steak, cut into 1/2" pieces
1 1/2 c. heavy cream
1/2 c. whole milk
4 oz. goat cheese, crumbled
Kosher salt and pepper
1 head cauliflower, cut into florets
3 T. bread crumbs
8 sprigs thyme

• Heat oven to 400 degrees.
• Melt butter in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the onion and cook until softened and light golden brown, about 6 minutes. Add the ham and cook, 2 minutes. Add the cream, milk, cheese, 1/4 tsp. salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low.
• Simmer until thickened, about 4 minutes. Add the cauliflower.
• Transfer to a 2 quart casserole dish and sprinkle with bread crumbs and thyme. Cover with aluminum foil.
• Bake for 20 minutes. Uncover and continue baking until cauliflower is tender, 15 to 20 minutes. Remove from oven and let rest at least 5 minuts before serving.

From: REAL SIMPLE magazine - NOVEMBER 2007 issue.
Made this last night and it was delicious! I used two bags of precut cauliflower florets, goat cheese with fine herbs. Do not skip the fresh thyme step - it made it taste so good!