Parsnip Cakes with Crispy Bacon and Cheese Sauce Recipe

Combine all of the parsnip cake ingredients and mix well. Form into 8 cakes about ½ inch [1 cm] thick. Reserve, covered and refrigerated, until ready to cook. (The parsnip cakes can be made several hours in advance.) Combine the half-and-half, onion, garlic, carrot, peppercorns, parsley, and thyme in a saucepan and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer for 3 minutes. Turn off heat and allow to steep for 10 minutes. Strain the milk mixture, discarding the solids, and reheat to a simmer. Stir in enough of the roux over medium heat to produce a smooth, slightly thickened sauce. Stir in the cheese and mustard slurry, mixing thoroughly. Keep warm (do not boil) until service. Heat the butter or oil in a wide, nonstick skillet. Dip the parsnip cakes in the beaten egg, then coat with breadcrumbs. Sauté the cakes over medium heat until golden brown on both sides. Drain on paper towels and keep warm until service. Place one parsnip cake on a small pool of sauce. Top with a half slice of crisp bacon. Garnish with chopped watercress.