Broccoli and Gruyere Gratin

"All the single ladies, All the single ladies

All the single ladies, All the single ladies

All the single ladies, All the single ladies

All the single ladies...

Now put your hands up" - Beyonce

OK, so what is one good thing about being a single lady?....

It's not having to feed a man a meat with every meal! Seriously. Every time poor Sister makes a meal, it is not a meal if she doesn't feed Sammie something with a meat, potato and a side dish.

Me on the other hand, I can do a single veggie or even a simple bowl of Honey Nut Cheerios and be a happy camper. Maybe I should skip the man and move on to the five year old! (jk, SERIOUSLY just kidding, NO THANK YOU! seriously.... NOOOOO THANNNNKKK YOU!)

Anyway, so the other night I made this for dinner; this and only this, just for me! It was my main course and side dish wrapped into one.

Welcome... Broccoli and Gruyere Gratin

Ingredients
2 large bunches broccoli, roughly chopped (about 12 cups)
4 tablespoons butter (1/2 stick)
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
2 cups whole milk
2 cups grated Gruyere (8 ounces)
kosher salt and black pepper

Directions
1. Heat oven to 375° F. Fill a large saucepan with 1 inch of water and fit with a steamer basket (or fill a large pot with ½ inch of water). Bring to a simmer. Place the broccoli in the steamer basket, cover, and steam until just tender, 3 to 4 minutes; transfer to a large bowl.

2. Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the flour and cook, stirring, for 2 minutes (do not let it darken). Whisk in the milk and simmer until slightly thickened, 3 to 4 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in 1 cup of the cheese, ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon pepper. Toss with the broccoli.

3. Transfer the broccoli mixture to a shallow 3-quart baking dish and sprinkle with the remaining cup of cheese. Bake until bubbling and golden brown, 35 to 40 minutes. Let sit 10 minutes before serving.

All the single ladies (or those married ones that want to make this as a side dish for their husbands beef), have a big bowl and snuggle up on the couch with your favorite DVR'd episodes of 'Friends' and enjoy!