Roasted Broccoli with Fondue

• Recipe by Stuart Brioza and Nicole Krasinski

Instead of steaming or boiling broccoli, Brioza roasts it to bring out its sweetness, then serves a generous portion with crunchy croutons and a light, creamy Fontina cheese fondue for dipping.

Ingredients

1. One 1 1/2-pound head of broccoli, cut into long spears
2. Two 1 1/2-inch-thick slices of peasant bread, crust removed, bread cut into 1 1/2-inch cubes
3. 1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
4. 1 large garlic clove, minced
5. Salt and freshly ground pepper
6. 1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons heavy cream
7. 1 large egg yolk
8. 2 ounces Fontina cheese, shredded
9. 1 tablespoon very finely chopped fresh marjoram
10. 1/2 tablespoon balsamic vinegar

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 450°. Heat a large rimmed baking sheet in the oven until it is very hot to the touch. In a large bowl, toss the broccoli spears with the bread cubes, olive oil and garlic and season generously with salt and pepper. Spread the broccoli and bread cubes on the hot baking sheet and roast for about 15 minutes, turning once, until the broccoli is tender and browned in spots and the bread cubes are crisp and golden.
2. Meanwhile, in a small saucepan, heat the cream until boiling. In a small bowl, whisk the egg yolk. Gradually whisk in the hot cream. Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over low heat, whisking constantly, until it is slightly thickened, about 2 minutes. Off the heat, add the Fontina and stir until melted. Pour the fondue into a bowl. Transfer the broccoli and bread to plates and sprinkle with the marjoram and balsamic vinegar. Serve with the fondue.