Baked Macaroni and Cheese With Cauliflower and Ham

• cups cauliflower florets↗2
• lb elbow macaroni↗1⁄4
• cup minced onion1⁄4 - 2
• tablespoon butter, plus↗1
• teaspoons butter↗2
• tablespoon all-purpose flour↗1
• cup milk↗1
• cup cream↗1⁄2
• pinch nutmeg↗1
• tablespoon Worcestershire sauce↗1
• tablespoons ketchup↗2
• teaspoon mustard powder1⁄2
• teaspoon cayenne pepper↗1⁄8
• ounces coarsely grated sharp cheddar cheese6
• cup grated parmesan cheese1⁄3
• pinch nutmeg↗1
• cup diced ham, good quality3⁄4
• cup dry breadcrumbs↗1⁄2

Step-by-step instructions

1. 1

   Blanch cauliflower for 5 minutes.

2. 2

   Refresh under cold water; drain well.

3. 3

   Cook pasta until al dente.

4. 4

   Refresh under cold water; drain well.

5. 5

   Cook onion in 1 tblsp butter over moderately-low heat until softened; stir in flour and cook 2 minutes.

6. 6

   Whisk in milk, cream, Worcestershire Sauce, ketchup, mustard powder, cayenne pepper and nutmeg and bring just to a boil, stirring, and simmer for 3 minutes.

7. 7

   Preheat oven to 350F and place rack in center of oven.

8. 8

   Add 1 cup of Cheddar and all of the Parmesan, stirring, until completely melted.

9. 9

   Stir in macaroni, cauliflower and ham and season.

10. 10

    Mound into prepared baking dish and top with remaining Cheddar.

11. 11

    Toss breadcrumbs with remaining 2 tsps butter (melted) and sprinkle over cheese.

12. 12

    Bake for 25 minutes, or until topping is golden.