Author Pam - For the Love of Cooking / Original by Simply Recipes
Ingredients
14ozBrussels sproutstrimmed of outer leaves and sliced in half
1ozpancettafinely diced
1tbspbutter
1shallotpeeled, halved, and sliced thinly
Thyme leaves from 1 sprig of thyme
1tbspflour
¾cupwhole milk + 2 tbsp
Scant pinch of nutmeg
2ozof grated Gruyere cheese
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Coat a baking dish with cooking spray.
Blanch the Brussels sprouts by heating a large pot of salted water over high heat to boiling. Blanch the halved Brussels sprouts for 2-3 minutes, or until just barely tender.
Remove from the pot immediately, drain and place into ice water to stop the cooking process; drain very well and set aside.
Place the diced pancetta in a large skillet over medium heat.
Cook until the fat is rendered, about 7 minutes.
Remove the pancetta from the skillet with a slotted spoon, set aside, remove all but 1/2 teaspoon of rendered fat from the skillet.
Add the butter to the skillet then add the sliced shallot and thyme leaves then cook until golden, stirring often, for 4-5 minutes.
Add the flour and cook, stirring often, for 1 minute.
Slowly add the milk to the skillet while whisking.
Add most of the cheese to the sauce and stir until melted.
Cook over low heat for a few minutes until thickened.
Season with a bit of nutmeg and sea salt and freshly cracked pepper, to taste; mix well.
Add most of the pancetta to the sauce along with the Brussels sprouts; mix until evenly coated.
Pour into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the top with the remaining cheese and pancetta.
Sprinkle the top with the remaining cheese and pancetta.
Place into the oven and bake for 25 minutes, or until golden brown.
Remove from the oven and let it sit for 10 minutes before serving. Enjoy.