Pasta With Cauliflower

Ingredients:

• 1 large head cauliflower, cut into flowerets
• 3/4 lb pasta, orecchiette or rotelle
• 5 TBS olive oil
• 2/3 cup fresh bread crumbs
• 1/3 lb bacon (about 6 slices), cut into pieces
• 1 large clove garlic, pressed or minced
• Freshly ground black pepper
• Accompaniment: Freshly grated Parmesan or Asiago cheese

In a large pot, bring water to boil, add cauliflower and cook 2-3 minutes. Immediately transfer to colander and rinse with cold water. Place on paper towels to drain. Refill pot with water and bring to boil for pasta.

In a large skillet, heat 1 1/2 TBS olive oil over medium heat. Add bread crumbs and cook, stirring, until golden brown. Transfer crumbs to a bowl and wipe skillet clean.

Over medium heat, cook bacon pieces until crisp; drain on paper towels. Remove all but 2 TBS bacon grease from skillet.

Add garlic and cauliflower to skillet and, over medium heat, cook 2-3 minutes.

Cook pasta until al dente and drain in colander.

Toss pasta, bacon, cauliflower and remaining 3 1/2 TBS olive oil until well combined. Season to taste with freshly ground pepper.

Serve, topped with toasted bread crumbs. Pass cheese separately. 4 servings.