Mashed Potatoes with Cauliflower Crumb Crust

For the cauliflower crumb:

1/2 medium head cauliflower cut into florets

1/3 cup of Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese grated

1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil

1 teaspoon of dried basil

1/4 teaspoon of salt

For the mashed potatoes:

3 pounds of Russet potatoes peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces

1 cup of half and half

6 tablespoons of unsalted butter

1 teaspoon of salt

1/4 teaspoon of ground white pepper

1. Preheat the oven to 425F.
2. For the cauliflower, place the florets in the bowl of a food processor and pulse until the size of small grains of rice. Transfer to a bowl and mix in the cheese, oil, basil and salt. Spread onto a large baking sheet in a single layer. Bake 10 minutes then stir the cauliflower. Bake an additional 8-10 minutes, stirring cauliflower again after 5 minutes, until golden brown (there may be spots that aren’t brown and that’s normal). Remove from the oven.
3. Combine the potatoes in a large saucepan with enough cold water to cover by 2-inches. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce the heat to medium and simmer, uncovered, until the potatoes are very tender, 14-16 minutes. Drain the potatoes then return to the saucepan. Meanwhile, combine the half and half and butter in a small saucepan and heat over medium until the butter melts and the mixture is hot. Add the butter mixture, salt and pepper to the potatoes and mash until smooth.
4. Transfer the potatoes to an oval au gratin dish. Top evenly with the cauliflower and serve warm.