Bacon Cauliflower Cheesy Bake

First, cut the cauliflower into quarters as in the photo and boil with the carrots until it is 3/4 cooked. About 25 minutes or so.Have all your ingredients measured and ready. Cook the bacon and drain on kitchen paper.Drain the cauliflower and place on some kitchen paper. You do not want excess liquid in your oven dish. Then arrange the cauliflower like in the photo. Place with the flower side facing up. Use an oven dish which will be deep enough to hold the 1 pint of cheese sauce. Sprinkle the bacon pieces all over, pop some in between the cauliflower too! Then scatter the carrots on top.Now we make the sauce. Please follow these steps and you will get a nice smooth sauce! First melt the butter in a pan, then add the flour.Use a wooden spoon and stir very well, until it is all combined like the photo. Keep stirring this mix for 1 minute on a medium heat. You need to cook the starch. Then remove from the heat.Start by adding 3 Tablespoons of the milk. Combine using the spoon, stirring until it is combined. Then add 1/3 of the milk, again, stir until it is combined.Keep stirring the mixture, it will take a couple of minutes, and you will get lumps like in the photo. Don't worry at this stage! The lumps will go, so long as you stir. Use your wooden spoon to make sure none of the flour is stuck in the sides of the pan. At this stage, return the pan to a medium heat, and add the remaining milk.If you have a hand whisk, switch to using it now, and add the mustard, salt and herbs. Continue to stir until the sauce becomes thick and holds to the whisk. It should be a 'coating' consistency. Be patient, it will seem like nothing is happening for a while, then suddenly, hey presto! The sauce immediately thickens. Keep stirring!When it has thickened, add the grated cheese and stir in well.Transfer the sauce to the cauliflower, and pour all over so the cauliflower is coated with the sauce. Sprinkle some extra cheese on the top if you wish to. ***** At this point, you can allow to cool completely and freeze or refrigerate. Cover with plastic wrap, and then when you want to cook it, bring back to room temperature and follow the steps below.Place in the oven at 200 C / 400 F for about 20 - 30 minutes, until the sauce is bubbling and the top is golden. When done, remove from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes. It will be VERY hot so take care!Serve the whole dish at the table or portion onto plates and enjoy!