Full-on Cauliflower Cheese

Preheat the oven to 200C/180C Fan/Gas 6

Half fill a large saucepan with water and bring to the boil. Add the cauliflower florets and boil for 7-8 minutes (al dente). Drain and empty the cauliflower into a suitable oven dish.

bring a small pan of water to the boil and add the peas. Cook until al. dente (5-6 mins). Set aside.

fry the bacon lardons on a medium heat until crisp - 5-6mins - and set aside.

Making the cheese sauce - melt the butter in a saucepan over a gentle heat, whisk in the flour until the mixture forms a smooth paste. Add the milk in small quantities to prevent lumps forming. When the milk is just starting to bubble, stir in 2/3 of the cheese and the ground pepper, stirring constantly until the sauce has thickened enough to coat the back of a spoon (about 6-8 minutes).

Add the peas and the bacon lardons to the cheese sauce mix, stirring thoroughly. Pour evenly over the cauliflower florets and add the remaining grated cheese and breadcrumbs.

Bake in the pre-heated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden-brown and the sauce is bubbling.