First of all, since this is officially my last French Fridays with Dorie post of 2011, I would like to take a moment to wish all of my fellow cooks a very Happy & Healthy New Year. I have had such a great time cooking along with all of you this past year and can’t imagine a nicer group to embark on this delicious project with. Thank you so much for welcoming me in as a late comer to this lovely group and for always cheering me up on those occasions when my recipe didn’t turn out as I had hoped. I have learned so much from you and look forward to a fresh year of tasty adventures to come.
Now about that recipe. This week’s FFwD recipe was Cauliflower-Bacon Gratin (recipe posted here on NPR). However, knowing that this week would be a hectic one for me, I must admit that I actually made this dish several weeks ago, as a side for my Chard-Stuffed Pork Roast. And considering that my pork did not turn out so well, I was very grateful that my cauliflower did.
While a little too decadent for everyday fare, this recipe would be right at home on any holiday laden table. It’s creamy, bacony goodness, with a little cauliflower thrown in just to make you feel good about yourself. The name of the recipe is actually a bit misleading though, because this dish is more like a savory custard or a quiche than a typical potato gratin. The addition of flour and eggs helps the gratin to firm up in the oven, though mine did need a bit more time than called for to reach the right consistency. But regardless of what you call it, it is darn tasty.
And now I’m off to get my shopping and cleaning done for tomorrow. We have a small group of friends coming over for New Year’s Eve and our apartment still looks like a post-Christmas mess!
one expat's life 
Happy New Year!
We had ours with the stuffed pork as well 🙂 So good, but too lethal on the hips to make a frequent appearance (although, it has shown up a few times in our house over the past year).
Looks beautiful and delicious! Have a great time with your friends ringing in the New Year!
That looks so good! I’m excited about cooking it for dinner tonight.
It looks beautiful, Rosa. Have a fun party and I hope you have a very Happy New Year!
Thanks!
I agree, this is really good but not for everyday! Happy New Year!
Happy New Year! What a fun treat to be able to cook with friends. Enjoy your party!!!
We liked this, too – but agree it’s more for a special occasion.
It’s been fun cooking along with you & seeing you enjoy your life in Germany!
Wishing you every success and happiness in 2012! xoxo
Definitely for a special occasion but oh so good! It’s been fun getting to know you this year and I look forward to more FFWD adventures next year! Happy New Year!
We loved the cauliflower gratin too. I like the idea of serving it with the stuffed pork roast, that is one good looking and delicious plate of food! Have fun at your New Year’s eve celebration and look forward to following your cooking adventures in 2012;-)
I loved the photo of your dinner plate–anybody would heed the dinner bell with that food!
Happy New Year to you as well ! Nana and I have enjoyed FFWD this year and look forward to 2012 as well. And now that cauliflower gratin- we look forward to more of that in 2012 in well. Yours turned out lovely and that entire plate looks delicious – well done !
Wishing you a happy and healthy New Year too! Your gratin looks delightful and would have been perfect with the pork (which I loved as well).
Your whole plateful looks delicious! Happy new year!
We had this as the main dish, with a salad to up the “healthy” factor. It was yummy, but definitely not for everyday. It’s been fun to cook with you this year, Rose! Happy New Year 2012!
Happy New Year 2012 to you and your gratin looks delicious with the Chard Stuffed Pork Roast . Looking forward to cooking along with you this coming new year 🙂
Happy New Year to you and your family! I’m looking forward to reading and cooking with you in 2012 – your posts are always a delight to read. The gratin looks delicious as does the Chard Stuffed Pork Roast.
Well….um… I could eat it everyday. Whats not to like!? Great job and Happy New Year!
Yum, yours looks perfect!
Happy new year to you and your loved ones. Beautiful photo. I’m getting hungry already, when I see it. It’s such a great dish.