Name: Dan Barber's Cauliflower Steaks
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 2
Ingredients: 1 1/2 c. fresh or frozen cranberries; c. red wine vinegar; c. cranberry juice; 1 bay leaf; 2 sprig fresh lemon thyme or thyme; 2 tbsp. maple syrup; salt; Pepper; 1 head cauliflower; 1 c. whole milk; 2 tbsp. vegetable oil

Step 1In bowl, combine cranberries, vinegar, juice, and 1/3 cup water; chill 3 hours.

Step 2Transfer cranberry mixture to medium nonreactive saucepot. Heat to simmering on medium. Add bay leaf and lemon thyme; simmer 20 minutes or until reduced by about two-thirds. Remove and discard herbs. Transfer half of cranberry mixture to blender. Blend until smooth; return to pot. Simmer 10 minutes on low, stirring occasionally. Stir in maple syrup, pinch of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Let cool completely. Makes about 1 1/2 cups.

Step 3Meanwhile, preheat oven to 350 degrees F. With sharp, heavy knife, starting at top center of cauliflower head, cut two 1-inch-thick slices, cutting through stem end. Set cauliflower steaks aside. Cut enough florets from remaining cauliflower head to measure 3 cups. In medium saucepan, combine florets, 1 1/2 cups water, milk, and 1/2 teaspoon each salt and pepper. Heat to boiling on high; cook until florets are very tender, about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Strain, reserving 1 cup cooking liquid.

Step 4Transfer florets to blender. Add half of reserved 1 cup cooking liquid and purée until smooth. Add more of the liquid, if desired, and purée again. Return purée to same saucepan.

Step 5In heavy, 12-inch ovenproof skillet, heat 2 tablespoons vegetable oil on medium-high. Brush cauliflower steaks with additional oil and sprinkle with 1/4 teaspoon each salt and pepper. Add cauliflower steaks to skillet and cook 2 to 3 minutes per side or until golden brown. Transfer skillet to oven and bake cauliflower steaks 10 to 12 minutes or until tender.

Step 6Rewarm cauliflower purée on medium. Divide purée between 2 plates; top each with cauliflower steak. Serve with cranberry sauce.