Elise Bauer

(900g)broccoli, stems removed (can use vegetable peeler to peel, then slice and eat like celery), large florets cut, yielding about 8 cups of broccoli florets

Salt for blanching water

strips of thick-cut bacon (about 2 ounces), cut crosswise into 1/4-inch wide strips

eggs, beaten

all purpose flour

cream

whole milk

to 3 teaspoons of freshly cracked black pepper (1 to 2 teaspoons if using fine ground black pepper)

salt

Dijon mustard

cheddar cheese, grated