Start by cooking the eggs.
Fill a small saucepan with water up to three quarters.
Add a good pinch of salt.
This will prevent the eggs from cracking.
Bring to a boil.
Using a spoon or hand, dip each egg in and out of the boiling water - be careful not to get burnt.
This will prevent the egg from cracking as the temperature change won't be so dramatic.
To get the eggs hard-boiled, you need round 10 minutes.
This timing works for large eggs.
When done, remove from the heat and place in a bowl filled with cold water.
I like and always use this egg timer! Peel the eggs and set aside.
Prepare the cauliflower topping.
Wash the cauliflower and cut into smaller florets.
Place on a steaming rack inside a pot filled with ~ 2 inches of water.
Bring to a boil and cook for about 10 minutes.
Do not overcook.
Place the cooked cauliflower into a blender add 1/4 cup of butter or ghee.
Pulse until smooth and creamy.
I'm using my Kenwood mixer with a blender attachment.
When, set aside.
Poach the fish.
Preheat the oven to 200 °C/ 400 °F.
Remove the skin from the fillets (mackerel skin doesn't need to be removed) and dice into medium-large (~ 2 inch) pieces.
Place the fish in a deep pan and pour in the cream and water.
Peel and finely dice the onion and add to the pan together with the bay leaves and cloves.
Bring to a boil and simmer on low for 8-10 minutes.
Using a slotted spoon, transfer the fish into a baking dish deep enough to fit the fish and cauliflower topping.
Prepare the sauce.
Simmer the fish & cream sauce over a medium heat.
Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter, ...
...
nutmeg and simmer for about 5 minutes until it starts to thicken.
Turn off the heat.
Discard the spices (bay leaves and whole cloves if used).
Add 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese and stir until melted and thickened.
Layer the fish pie.
Halve and quarter the eggs and place them in the baking dish on top of the cooked fish.
Pour the cream & cheese sauce over the eggs and fish.
Sprinkle with chopped chives or spring onion.
Top with the cauliflower mash.
Using the tines of a fork, create a decorative pattern on top.
Top with the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar and place in the oven.
Cook for 30-35 minutes or until the top is golden brown.
When done, turn off the oven and place on a cooling rack for 15 minutes.
Serve hot or let it cool down and store in the fridge for up to 5 days.