Garlic and Chive Mashed Cauliflower

Going way on trend here and making use of the most uneaten vegetable on the veggie tray at a party. You know that it's true. Everyone is all yum, broccoli, tomatoes, cucumbers...then they see the white stuff (not the ranch dip) and pass.

It makes crusts, steaks, roasts, filling for tacos, and has recently has made headlines for its excellent substitution for potatoes in the ever classic mash. Without further ado (had to google that because I have only ever said it, not written it!), I give you.....Mashed Cauliflower.

Here's the set up. 1 head of cauliflower, 1/4 c chives/green onions, 2 cloves garlic minced (if you aren't using the frozen Trader Joe's, why not?), 1 tbsp chicken or veggie stock, and 1/4 c cream cheese. In the picture I have the fake cream cheese but use real if you have it! Although I will say the vegan cream cheese was really great in them and Joey didn't even notice. 

 Chop cauliflower into similar sized pieces. They can be big, small whatever you prefer, but they will cook all the same if they are close to each other in size.

 Bring pot of SALTED water to boil and throw the cauliflower in. It will take about 10-15 minutes to cook.  To know that they are done, you should be able to stick a fork right into the pot and easily pierce the cauliflower - a.k.a. fork tender.

The fun begins. Break out the gadgets! Use a hand blender, or a real blender if you don't have this guy.

 I put the chives, garlic, stock, and cream cheese (not pictured sorry!) right in the bowl.  Drain cauliflower when done and put directly into the bowl. Fire up the blender and blend to your desired consistency.

Voila! You have mashed cauliflower. Pat yourself on the back for being trendy and kind to the lonely white veggie.

Recipe Recap:

1 Head Cauliflower

1/4 c green onions

2 cloves garlic, chopped or minced 

1/4 c cream cheese

2 tbsp chicken or veggie stock

Bring pot of salted water to boil

Put cauliflower in boiling water for 10-15 minutes until fork tender

Drain and combine with rest of ingredients in a bowl

Hand blend or use a stand blender until your desired consistency.

Enjoy!

Make these and come back here and tell me how you liked them. :-)

Chocolate Chip "Granola" Bars

I'll get straight to the recipe, these are delicious!

They are gluten free when made with "gluten free" oats/oat bran.

You will need:

3 large bananas mashed (preferably ripe bananas)
1.5 c Bob's Red Mill Gluten Free Oat Bran
1/2 c old fashioned rolled oats (gluten free)- i use Trader Joe's
1 tsp vanilla
1/2 tsp pumpkin pie spice or cinnamon (whichever flavor you like - I prefer cinnamon)
1/2 c pepitas
1/2 c sunflower seeds
3/4 c chocolate chips (to be vegan use "Enjoy Life" chips)

Mash bananas together in large mixing bowl until smooth. Stir in vanilla.
Mix in rest of ingredients until combined.

Spray 9x13 pan with pan spray and press mix into pan evenly.

Bake at 350 for 25 minutes. Cool on counter or in fridge and once cooled cut into "granola bar" slices.

These are really awesome and easy to make. And pretty healthy to boot!