GOLDEN BROCCOLI GRATIN

Steps:

• 1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
• 2. Bring a large saucepan of well-salted water to a boil over high heat. Cut the heads from the broccoli stalks and cut the heads into small florets. Peel the stalks and thinly slice. Add the broccoli to the boiling water and cook 2 minutes. Transfer the broccoli to a bowl filled with ice water, then drain well.
• 3. In a 10-inch fry pan, melt butter over medium heat. Add the flour and stir until well incorporated and fragrant, 1-2 minutes. Slowly whisk in the milk and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, add the onion and bay leaf and simmer, stirring frequently, until the mixture thickens, about 8 minutes. Remove and discard the bay leaf and add the cheese, stirring until the cheese is melted. Season with salt and pepper. Carefully fold in the broccoli and spread in an even layer in a well greased baking dish.
• 4. In a small bowl, stir together the panko, parmesan cheese and olive oil - season with salt and pepper. Sprinkle the panko mixture over the broccoli mixture. Bake until the gratin is golden and bubbly - 40=45 minutes. Let rest for 15 minutes before serving.