Crazy 'Bout Cauliflower: The Options Are Endless!

Image courtesy of ufseeds.com

When I think of cauliflower, I think of vegetable platters. And when I think of vegetable platters, the word 'yuck' comes to mind. Not to be overly opinionated, but veggie platters are my LEAST favorite appetizer known to man. If you go to a friend's party bearing a veggie platter,  you might as well just come out and say "OK! OK! I didn't try at all! I picked this up from the grocery store on the way here! I am in no way creative, nor do I care".

Too harsh?!? You bring veggie platters to parties all the time? Then try to forgive me, but this is how I truly feel.

Cauliflower is so much more than a typical vegetable on a platter, and if you're not a fan of it in its raw form, you'll be happy to know that there is a whole world of options for cooking cauliflower. 

So let's explore the inner workings of cauliflower, shall we? Cauliflower is...

• Your next best source for vitamin C after most citrus fruits. Vitamin C gives your immune system a boost and helps to fight cancer-causing free radicals.
• Packed with vitamin K, a nutrient which regulates the body's anti-inflammatory response.
• Rich in folate, which keep your heart healthy. Folate is also great for pregnant women, as it helps to prevent birth defects.
• High in fiber to aid the digestion process.
• Full of a compound called glucoraphanin which protects the stomach lining, keeping it from ulcers and cancer.
• Considered a 'natural cancer fighter' because the phytochemicals in cauliflower help to block cancer growth, especially that of prostate, ovarian, breast, cervical and colon cancers.
• Great for dieters because it is low in carbs and can be used as a substitute for everything from mashed potatoes to rice.

I'm a big fan of roasted cauliflower. It's extremely easy to throw together and it makes a great snack or side dish. Here's what you do...

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Pull the leaves off your head of cauliflower and chop off the stem.
Wash the head thoroughly.

Break or chop the head into small bite-size pieces. In a mixing bowl, drizzle the florets with olive oil to coat them lightly.

Place the florets on a large non-stick baking pan and make sure they are evenly spaced.

Finely chop 3 pieces of garlic and sprinkle over the florets on the pan.

Gather your army of spices! I usually use salt, pepper, garlic salt or powder, basil, oregano and red pepper flakes.

Sprinkle the florets with spice! In my opinion, more is better...but you can always add more after it cooks, if needed.
Cook for about 30 minutes, flipping halfway through (or until the florets are slightly browned and can be
stabbed through easily with a fork).

Plate those babies up and enjoy! 

Here are a few more recipes to tantalize your taste buds...

MASHED CAULIFLOWER:

http://www.health-foodie.com/2010/03/mashed-cauliflower-recipe/

Image courtesy of health-foodie.com

CURRIED CAULIFLOWER SOUP:

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/12/13/health/nutrition/curried-cauliflower-soup-recipes-for-health.html

Image courtesy of nytimes.com

PASTA WITH CAULIFLOWER, WALNUTS & FETA:

http://smittenkitchen.com/2008/03/pasta-with-cauliflower-walnuts-and-feta/

Image courtesy of smittenkitchen.com

Kale: No Longer the 'Jan Brady' of the Cabbage Family

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My brother's name is Cale, dangerously close to the spelling of our vegetable of the day. As a child, this made me giggle. My brother was named after a vegetable. WHAT in the world were my parents thinking? He would clearly be scarred when the little kids at school put two and two together.

If only the little kids had known how cool kale really is!

Kale has been cultivated for over 2,000 years. It was a staple of the Greek and Roman diets. Just recently, it came into the spotlight because of its 'superfood' status. It's also relatively inexpensive and easy to work into your meals.

Here's why you should jump on the 'kale train' ASAP. Kale is...

• A great source of vitamin C (which boosts your immune system), vitamin K (for bone health) and vitamin A (for healthy mucus membranes, skin and eyes).
• High in fiber.
• Full of health promoting phytochemicals that protect against prostate and colon cancers.
• Rich in iron (which helps protect you from anemia).
• Rich in carotenoids (strong antioxidants with anti-inflammatory properties).
• Extremely low in calories and contains no fat.

I'm a huge fan of kale chips. Here's what you do...

Preheat your oven to 300 degrees Fahrenheit. Thoroughly wash the kale and pat dry.

Tear the each leaf in half, discarding the stem. Then tear each half into 'chip size' pieces.

Drizzle the pieces with a light coat of olive oil...

...Then toss to coat evenly.

Place your chips on a non-stick baking pan, making sure they are evenly spaced (this is key!).

Now, bake the chips for 20 minutes total, flipping the chips halfway through so that both sides bake evenly. Allow to cool and enjoy! Oh...and eat as many as you want! They're good for you!

Here are some other great recipes to get you started...

PASTA WITH BLACK KALE, CARAMELIZED ONIONS AND PARSNIPS:

http://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/pasta-with-black-kale-caramelized-onions-parsnips-10000002012801/

Image courtesy of myrecipes.com

KALE WITH ROASTED PEPPERS AND OLIVES:

http://www.realsimple.com/food-recipes/browse-all-recipes/kale-roasted-peppers-olives-10000000524082/index.html

Image courtesy of realsimple.com

KALE, APPLE AND PANCETTA SALAD:

http://www.seriouseats.com/recipes/2012/02/serious-salads-kale-apple-and-pancetta-salad.html

Image courtesy of seriouseats.com