MY ZINGY CHEESY VEGGIE BAKE

INGREDIENTS:

8 rashers streaky bacon (2 per person)

1 - 1 1/2 cups mixed veggies per person - cauliflower, broccoli, carrots, celery

3 spring onions

parsley sprigs

50grams (2oz) butter

4 rounded tablespoons all-purpose flour

2+ cups milk

1 1/2 cups grated tasty cheese

1/2 cup panko crumbs

1/2 - 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper

Supplies

1 sharp knife

1 veggie peeler

1 cutting board

1 grater

1 medium saucepan

1 microwave veggie steamer

1 whisk

1 tablespoon

1 teaspoon

1 cup measure

1/2 cup measure

Step 1:

Grill bacon rashers until just crisp, set aside to cool then cut into pieces

Step 2:

Peel and prepare your choice of vegetables

I used broccoli, cauliflower and carrots

Dice and slice vegetables into bite-size pieces

Steam in a microwave for 4 minutes or place in a saucepan with water and gently boil for a few minutes until slightly tender

Drain and place in an oven proof serving dish

Step 3:

Dice the spring onions

Remove the parsley stalks and chop finely

Step 4:

Melt the butter and add the flour

Stir to blend, cook while stirring for 1 minute

Step 5:

Add 1/2 cup of the milk and stir quickly with a whisk to remove any lumps

Keep over a low heat, gradually adding the remainder of the milk and whisk until smooth

Add more milk, if needed, to create a smooth sauce

Step 6:

Add a little salt and a good grind of black pepper

Then add the grated cheese and stir through until melted

Now add the diced spring onions and chopped parsley

Step 7:

Sprinkle the chopped bacon over the steamed vegetables

Pour the sauce evenly over the vegetables and bacon

Step 8:

Top the sauce evenly with the panko crumbs, then the grated cheese

Finish with a sprinkle of the cayenne pepper.

Add more if you like it zingier

Step 9:

Place in the centre of the oven at 190 degrees C or 375 degrees F until browned on the top - about 20 - 25 minutes

Step 10:

Serve with cherry tomatoes