Romaine Lettuce au Gratin

Preparation

1. Step 1

   Place the romaine, one head at a time, on a flat surface. Slice off the end about 3 inches from the bottom and discard. Cut the remaining lettuce crosswise into 2-inch pieces. If necessary, rinse the lettuce thoroughly and drain well.

2. Step 2

   Bring to a boil enough water to cover the lettuce. Add lettuce. When the water returns to a boil let simmer 8 minutes. Drain well. Rinse under cold water and drain well.

3. Step 3

   Put the lettuce in the container of a food processor or electric blender and process until finely ground. Scrape the mixture into a colander and drain well. Discard the liquid. There should be about 3½ cups of ground lettuce.

4. Step 4

   Grate the cheese, using fine blade of grater. Set aside.

5. Step 5

   Preheat the broiler to high.

6. Step 6

   Heat butter in a saucepan and add onion. Cook, stirring, until wilted. Add ground lettuce, salt and pepper to taste. Add cream. Cook, stirring, until piping hot.

7. Step 7

   Spoon mixture into a small baking dish. Sprinkle with the cheese. Place the dish under the broiler until the cheese is melted and the top is golden brown, about 5 minutes.