ENDIVE IS GOOD FOR YOU!!!  According to Julia Rocha, Bachelor of Nutrition, these are the benefits of eating endive:

• Endive has B-complex vitamins that are important for the health of the nervous and cardiovascular systems and for the proper functioning of the metabolism.

• Endive has vitamin C that strengthens immunity and acts as an antioxidant.

• Endive has vitamin A which is known to aid in eye health, serving to prevent vision related illnesses.

• Endive is one of the main sources of beta-carotene, an important antioxidant for the body, this substance fulfils other roles in our body, it is good for the skin, hair, nails, bones and even for vision, as it protects the ocular surface.

• Endive is a source of essential minerals for the balance and proper functioning of the body, such as iron, calcium, potassium, manganese, copper and zinc. They are important for blood circulation, strengthening muscles and bones, aiding mental and nervous health and strengthening immunity.

Okay, so where I am from we would pronounce “endive,” like this:  IN-DIVE.  However, I did take some French in college (ha,ha) so I prefer the prettier French pronunciation which sounds like this:  ON-DEEVE.  However, you pronounce it, this is a simple but elegant casserole that makes a perfect dinner on its own with a glass of crisp Sancerre. Endive is a member of the chicory family so it has some bitterness when raw but when you cook it, it develops a nutty flavor.  The cheese I used in this casserole was delicious with the endive – it was an aged white English cheddar called, “Tickler” on the package and self-described as tangy and nutty (and it was).  It was a bit crumbly when I grated it, but melted beautifully.  I love casseroles au gratin, and have pretty much gratineed every type of vegetable I am familiar with. This casserole was particularly elegant and satisfying and perfect on a lazy Friday night when I was cooking for myself and enjoying the quiet that came after a chaotic week.  What’s more comforting than something green smothered in melty cheese and buttery bread crumbs?