Whole Roasted Cauliflower & Whipped Goat Cheese

Whole Roasted Cauliflower & Whipped Goat Cheese
SERVES 4 - 6

This is a show stopping side for vegetarians and carnivores alike. Slice thick and serve with a steak knife, it is sure to impress cauliflower virgins. 

1 head cauliflower, whole with leaves trimmed 1/2 bottle dry white wine
2 teaspoon fine sea salt, divided
Juice of 1 lemon
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 tablespoon crushed red pepper flakes
1 bay leaf
1 - 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

Heat oven to 400° F.

Bring wine, salt, lemon juice, butter, red pepper flakes, bay leaf and 1 cup water to a boil in a medium high-sided pot and then remove from heat.

Rub olive oil over cauliflower and season with remaining salt. Place cauliflower in the pot. Place the pot in the oven and roast for 30 - 40 minutes until cauliflower is fork-ten-der and brown on top. For an extra char, heat the broiler to high and cook for an additional 3 - 4 minutes. Watch carefully to avoid burning.

Transfer cauliflower to a plate, drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with sea salt. Serve with whipped goat cheese.

Whipped Goat Cheese

4 ounces fresh goat cheese
1/4 cup heavy cream
2 tablespoons olive oil, plus extra for garnish

Mix goat cheese and heavy cream, season with sea salt. Transfer whipped goat cheese to a serving bowl.