1 medium head cauliflower, broken into florets (7 cups)
1 1/2 teaspoons salt, divided
1/2 cup dry bread crumbs, divided
1 cup half-and-half
1 tablespoon butter
fresh minced parsley, optional

Heat oven to 350°F. Grease 2 quart baking dish. Place cauliflower in saucepan with 1 inch water and 1 teaspoon salt. Bring to boil. Reduce heat. Cover and simmer 6-7 minutes till crisp-tender. Sprinkle prepared baking dish with 2 tablespoons bread crumbs. Drain cauliflower and arrange over top of bread crumbs. Pour half-and-half over top. Dot with butter and sprinkle with remaining salt and bread crumbs. Bake, uncovered, 25-30 minutes till cauliflower is tender. Garnish with parsley if desired.