When we made this for a friend who came for dinner one night, our home was completely smothered in the smell of baking, bubbling cheese. It was pretty unbelievable. This little pie was such a delight because the sum was much, much greater than what it's parts seemed to bring. But the amalgamation of a caramelized Vidalia onion, blanketing a thin layer of tangy mustard, matched with the toasty cauliflower, and the creamy egg and cheese combo…wow. 

Cauliflower and Caramelized Onion Tart
Adapted from Bon Appetit, March 2007

1 small head of cauliflower (about 1 pound) 
3 1/2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon truffle oil or a few pinches of truffle salt (totally optional) 
1 refrigerated pie crust 
1 large onion, halved lenghtwise and thinly sliced
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
2 large eggs
1 (7- to 8- ounce) container mascarpone cheese (Italian cream cheese)
1/2 cup whipping cream 
1/4 teaspoon ground white or black pepper
Pinch of ground nutmeg
1 cup grated Gruyère cheese 
1/3 cup Parmesan cheese

Position rack in center of oven; preheat to 425°F. Toss cauliflower with 1 tablespoon olive oil in large bowl. Spread on large rimmed baking sheet, spacing apart. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Roast 15 minutes; turn florets over. Continue roasting until tender, about 25 minutes longer. Cool cauliflower, then thinly slice. Drizzle with truffle oil; toss. Reduce oven temperature to 350°F.

Press pie crust onto bottom and up sides of 9-inch-diameter tart pan with removable bottom. Line pie crust with foil; fill with pie weights. Bake crust 20 minutes. Remove foil and pie weights; bake until crust is golden, about 5 minutes, pressing crust with back of fork if bubbles form. Cool crust. Maintain oven temperature.

Heat remaining 1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil in heavy large skillet over medium heat. Add onion; sprinkle with salt and pepper. Cook until onion is deep golden brown, stirring occasionally, about 40 minutes. Cool slightly. Can be made 1 day ahead. Store crust at room temperature. Cover and chill cauliflower and onion separately.

Brush bottom and sides of crust with mustard. Spread onion in crust. Arrange cauliflower evenly over. Set tart on rimmed baking sheet. Whisk eggs and next 4 ingredients in medium bowl. Stir in Gruyère. Pour mixture over filling in tart pan; sprinkle with Parmesan. Bake until tart is golden and center is set, about 40 minutes. Transfer to rack; cool 15 minutes before serving.