The holiday season calls for comforting dishes that bring warmth and joy to the table. As families gather around to celebrate, it’s the perfect time to impress your loved ones with delicious homemade sides that elevate your Christmas feast. Today, we bring you an irresistible duo of sides inspired by the modern cook Anna Jones – her delectable Garlic Cauliflower Cheese and the Ultimate Roast Potatoes. These recipes are sure to become your new favorites and add a touch of culinary magic to your festive spread.
**Ingredients:**
For the Garlic Cauliflower Cheese:
– 1 large head of cauliflower, cut into florets
– 3 cloves of garlic, minced
– 2 tbsp butter
– 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
– 1 cup whole milk
– 1 ½ cups grated mature cheddar cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh thyme leaves for garnish
For the Ultimate Roast Potatoes:
– 2 lbs Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
– 4 tbsp olive oil
– 4 sprigs of fresh rosemary
– 4 cloves of garlic, smashed
– Salt and pepper to taste
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Garlic Cauliflower Cheese:**
– Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
– In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the cauliflower florets for about 5-7 minutes, or until just tender. Drain and set aside.
– In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
– Stir in the flour and cook for another minute to make a roux.
– Gradually whisk in the milk until smooth and thickened.
– Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in 1 cup of grated cheddar cheese until melted. Season with salt and pepper.
– Place the cooked cauliflower in a baking dish and pour the cheese sauce over it.
– Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese on top and bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until bubbly and golden.
– Garnish with fresh thyme leaves before serving.
2. **Prepare the Ultimate Roast Potatoes:**
– Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
– In a large pot of salted boiling water, parboil the potato chunks for about 8-10 minutes until slightly tender but not fully cooked. Drain and let them steam dry for a few minutes.
– In a roasting pan, combine the olive oil, rosemary sprigs, and smashed garlic cloves. Place the pan in the oven for 5 minutes to infuse the oil.
– Carefully add the parboiled potatoes to the hot oil mixture and coat them well. Season with salt and pepper.
– Roast the potatoes in the oven for 40-50 minutes, turning them halfway through, until crispy and golden brown.
– Remove from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving.
No Christmas table is complete without these mouthwatering sides. The creamy and indulgent Garlic Cauliflower Cheese is a delightful twist on a classic dish, while the crispy and flavorful Ultimate Roast Potatoes will have everyone coming back for seconds. Embrace the festive spirit and treat your guests to these Anna Jones-inspired recipes that are guaranteed to be a hit this holiday season. Enjoy the magic of cooking and sharing these memorable dishes with your loved ones.
