Cauliflower Power!

I write the food column EVERYDAY GOURMET for one of Beaufort, South Carolina’s local newspapers, Lowcountry Weekly. A few issues ago, I mentioned that I had been testing some new cauliflower dishes. I’m tickled pink with the number of people who have stopped me in the grocery store or at catering events to ask me when I was going to share some of those recipes. This is the week! These are some of my favorite ways to make cauliflower. My husband Vince and I eat Roasted Cauliflower at least once a week. It’s a great substitute for pasta or potatoes with far less carbs and calories. The browner the cauliflower pieces turn, the more carmelization occurs and the sweeter they’ll taste! Buffalo Cauliflower is a delicious snack or side dish. It’s so good that you might mistake it for buffalo chicken! Use your favorite bottled hot wing sauce to make it as mild or as spicy as you like. Chopped Cauliflower Salad is a yummy crunchy dish that can easily be turned into an entree with the addition of shrimp or chicken. You’re going to love them all! p.s. For even more fabulous recipes, cooking tips and party ideas follow me on Pinterest!

Chopped Cauliflower Salad!
Chopped Cauliflower Salad!

Chopped Cauliflower Salad

½ cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons cider vinegar
1 teaspoon dried chopped chives
½ teaspoon caraway seeds
¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 head cauliflower, chopped (about 3 cups)
1 heart of romaine lettuce, chopped (about 2 cups)
1 red apple, diced

Whisk mayonnaise, vinegar, chives, caraway seeds and pepper in a large bowl until smooth. Add cauliflower, lettuce and apple. Toss to coat. Serves 6 to 8.

Buffalo Cauliflower!
Buffalo Cauliflower!

Buffalo Cauliflower
1 head cauliflower, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 cup buttermilk
1 cup all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons garlic salt
1 cup bottled buffalo wing sauce
Blue cheese dressing, for dipping
Celery sticks, optional
Preheat oven to 450 degrees. In a large bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, flour and garlic salt until very smooth. Very gently place the cauliflower in the bowl and lightly toss to completely coat with buttermilk mixture. Place a piece of aluminum foil on a baking sheet and spray very well with cooking spray. Spread cauliflower in a single layer on baking sheet and bake for 18 to 20 minutes. Carefully remove the cauliflower from the oven and pour the buffalo wing sauce over it, tossing gently to coat. Return the cauliflower to the oven for another 5 to 10 minutes. Serve hot with blue cheese dressing and celery sticks. Serves 4.

Roasted Cauliflower!
Roasted Cauliflower!

Roasted Cauliflower
1 head cauliflower
4 tablespoons olive oil
¼ – ½ teaspoon salt
Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Cut cauliflower into florets, about the size of ping pong balls. In a large bowl, combine the olive oil and salt; whisk, then add the cauliflower pieces and toss thoroughly. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil. Spread cauliflower pieces evenly on baking sheet and roast for 1 hour, turning the pieces every 20 minutes, until most of each piece has turned golden brown. Serve immediately. Serves 3 to 4.

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