M.F.K. Fisher Memorial Cauliflower Casserole

Ingredients

• 2.5 lb cauliflower 
• 0.5 teaspoon fresh-ground pepper 
• 6 oz gruyère cheese shredded
• 6 servings salt 
• 1 cup whipping cream 

Equipment

• frying pan
• oven

Directions

1. Break cauliflower into florets, discarding core and leaves. Rinse florets.
2. In a 4- to 5-quart pan over high heat, bring about 3 quarts water to a boil.
3. Add cauliflower and cook until just tender when pierced, 5 to 8 minutes.
4. Drain cauliflower and arrange in a shallow 1 1/2-quart casserole.
5. Add cream to the empty pan and boil over high heat until it's reduced to 1/2 cup, stirring often, about 5 minutes.
6. Drizzle cream over cauliflower, sprinkle with pepper, and cover evenly with cheese.
7. Bake in a 425 oven just until cheese is lightly browned, 4 to 6 minutes.
8. Add salt to taste.