Delicious, Nutritious Cauliflower Mashed Potatoes

I’m not a fan of mashed potatoes, I find them bland, boring and devoid of the nutrient value I aim for in my food. But my family loves them. Happily, I’ve found a way to make mashed potatoes AND meet my delicious, nutritious desires. When I discovered I could get extra meals out of them, I became a fan.

This recipe uses half cauliflower and half potatoes. Cauliflower belongs to the GBOMB (Greens Beans, Onions, Mushrooms, Berries, Seeds/Nuts) group, the most nutrient-dense foods. Add sautéed spinach, or leeks or mushrooms (also GBOMBS) and voila! We get extra nutrition, color and happy taste buds.

We tend to think of butter as something to be avoided, but in moderate amounts now and again, it can even be good for us. Essential fats help absorb the nutrients in plants.

Gosh, there are so many ways to do this.

Variations
• Vegan: use almond or oat milk and skip the butter.
• Spinach: sauté 5 oz spinach in 1 tablespoon olive oil until it begins to wilt, add 1 teaspoon minced garlic, mixing occasionally, cook another 2 minutes
• Mushroom and Leeks: Slice 2 leeks and 8 oz mushrooms, sauté in olive oil until tender and mix into mashed potatoes and cauliflower
• Rosemary: add 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, finely chopped

Make sure to make enough for leftovers to use for breakfast:

Skinny Fitalicious: Mashed Potato Muffins a great gluten-free breakfast option. I add 1 cup of chopped veggies such as spinach, broccoli, red bell pepper.

Mashed Potato Waffles

Or for a quick dinner:

Mashed Potato and Omelet with a big green salad tossed with pumpkin seeds or chopped nuts

Cooktoria: Mashed Potato Mushroom Quesadillas another quick dinner option; I reduce the cheese to 1/2 cup and add chopped greens (spinach, kale, swiss chard). Add  chopped poblano peppers or red bell peppers for more nutrients and flavor . Yum!

Delicious, Nutritious Cauliflower Mashed Potatoes
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Servings
4 servings
Servings
4 servings
Delicious, Nutritious Cauliflower Mashed Potatoes
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Servings
4 servings
Servings
4 servings
Ingredients
Adjust servings: servings
Units:
Instructions
  1. If organic, scrub the potatoes then cut large cubes. If not organic, peel the potatoes.
  2. Cut the cauliflower into pieces about the same size as potato pieces.
  3. Place potatoes in a pot and cover with about 2 inches of cold water; place pot on medium-high heat.
  4. Stir in 1 teaspoon salt and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for about 10 minutes.
  5. Add the cauliflower pieces and cook another 5 – 8 minutes. Test with a fork. When tender remove from heat.
  6. Drain potato and cauliflower in a strainer.
  7. Place back in the pot, mash with a potato masher, adding butter and milk. Adjust butter and milk to your preference.
  8. Season with salt and pepper.
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Veggie-Loaded Egg Bake

Plant-rich and nutrient-dense, use this as a base recipe and mix it up with different vegetables. Add sausage, smoked salmon, leftover chicken, or ground beef. Make a double recipe and enjoy it throughout the week for breakfast or lunch.

Variations:

  • Finely slice kale or Swiss chard, instead of spinach
  • Replace basil with parsley or cilantro. Or other finely chopped herbs such as rosemary, thyme, dill or oregano. If using fresh herbs, use spinach as the greens as it is more neutral than other greens
  • Or use arugula for the greens and skip the fresh herbs
  • Use finely chopped broccoli instead of greens
  • Add other veggies: asparagus, cauliflower, peas, green beens…
  • Add leftover chicken, bacon, sausage, ground beef

Toppings (optional)

  • Chopped fresh herbs
  • Sliced avocado
  • Chopped jalapeño

Serve with green smoothie from Simple Green Smoothie, a bowl of berries or Orange and Pineapple Medley

 

Veggie Egg Bake
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Servings
4 servings
Servings
4 servings
Veggie Egg Bake
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Servings
4 servings
Servings
4 servings
Ingredients
Adjust servings: servings
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Instructions
  1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Brush a baking dish with butter or olive oil.
  2. Combine all vegetables, garlic and pepper. Add optional meat and mix well. Pour into casserole dish.
  3. Whisk eggs with milk and pour over vegetables.
  4. Top with cheese
  5. Bake for 50 - 55 minutes or until eggs are cooked through.
Recipe Notes

http://www.nutritionistreviews.com/2016/01/spinach-and-bell-pepper-egg-bake-fitbit.html

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Turkey Meatball and Kale Soup

This recipe is part of my “naked kitchen menu” because it has no spices. Consider this a base that can be varied by using different ground meat, or vegetables and adding spices.

Variations:

  • Use ground bison or grass-fed beef instead of turkey, or ground lamb
  • For the soup, use leeks instead of onions, add a chopped turnip or rutabaga
  • Add 1 cup of chopped broccoli or cauliflower
  • Add 1 cup peas or green beans
  • Add 1 cup of diced potato
  • Reduce the amount of broth to make a chunky stew instead of soup
Turkey Meatball and Kale Soup
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Servings
4 servings
Servings
4 servings
Turkey Meatball and Kale Soup
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Servings
4 servings
Servings
4 servings
Ingredients
Meatballs
Soup
Adjust servings: servings
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Instructions
  1. Pour milk into a large mixing bowl, tear bread into small pieces and add to the milk; soak 10 minutes.
  2. Add ground turkey, chopped green onions, minced garlic and mix together.
  3. Scoop out with spoon and roll between wet palms to form 1/2-inch balls.
  4. Set aside.
Soup
  1. Heat olive oil in a pot over medium heat just until it starts to shimmer. Add onions, carrots and celery. Cook, stirring occasionally until vegetables soften, add chopped garlic and cook, stirring, 2 more minutes.
  2. Place meatballs on top of vegetables.
  3. Gradually pour in broth. Gently stir broth into vegetables without breaking the meatballs. Cover and cook over low heat, just barely bubbling until meatballs are cooked through.
  4. Add kale or spinach, cover and simmer just until kale/spinach is wilted. Gently mix together and serve.
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Arugula Frittata

Frittatas are started in an oven-safe skillet cooked on the stovetop and then finished in a pre-heated oven.

I like making them for brunch, but frittatas are also fabulous way to use leftovers and make a
quick lunch or dinner. Simply beat eggs, mix in leftover cooked vegetables and or meats (I’ve used chicken, sausage, even leftover chili) and pour into a hot oiled skillet, for a few minutes until the outer edges are set. Then transfer the pan to the oven to finish cooking.

Cut frittata in slices and serve. They are tasty at room temperature and not just hot-out-of-the-oven.

I used arugula because we had a bunch in our farm share. but I’ve also spinach, baby kale, even chopped beet greens or large leaf (Tuscan or Lacinto) kale – it just depends what greens I have on hand.. If using kale, remove the thick stalks and chop.

The cheese is optional; for special treats or entertaining guests  Gruyere or Fontina are my choice.
I sometimes skip the milk also, but the consistency of the frittata is creamier and fluffier with dairy milk — especially whole milk.
Wondering what’s the difference between frittatas and omelets?

And I like these tips on How to Make a Perfect Frittata 

Arugula Frittata
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Servings
4 servings
Servings
4 servings
Arugula Frittata
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Servings
4 servings
Servings
4 servings
Ingredients
Adjust servings: servings
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Instructions
  1. Preheat broiler.
  2. Whisk together eggs, milk, cheese salt, and pepper until combined.
  3. Heat in olive oil in a 10-inch ovenproof skillet over moderate heat. Add kale stirring occasionally, until it begins to wilt.
  4. Add minced garlic and cook another minute or two, stirring.
  5. Pour well-beaten eggs into skillet and cook, undisturbed over moderate heat until it’s mostly set, about 5 minutes.
  6. Transfer to preheated oven and broil until eggs are just set, about 2 minutes.
Recipe Notes

An original Color My Food recipe

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Strawberry Banana Oatmeal Bites

It’s a great option for making ahead for busy mornings: a) on the weekend to enjoy a couple and freeze the rest b) make the night before.

It’s also a great example of creativity:

  1. Use 1 cup of whole-wheat flour and 1 cup oats instead of 2 cups oats
  2. Substitute another fruit for the strawberries. In the midst of making them one morning I realized someone had eaten all the strawberries, yikes! No worries, I chopped up sliced pineapple I had on hand.
  3. Use frozen strawberries (or other berries).
  4. With or without nuts of any kind. I discovered pistachio and strawberry is a delightful combination!
Juicy strawberry with banana
Strawberry Banana Oatmeal Bites
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Servings
18 mini muffins
Servings
18 mini muffins
Juicy strawberry with banana
Strawberry Banana Oatmeal Bites
Print Recipe
Servings
18 mini muffins
Servings
18 mini muffins
Ingredients
Adjust servings: mini muffins
Units:
Instructions
  1. Preheat the oven to 350. Brush 12 cups in a muffin tin with melted butter, coconut oil or extra-virgin olive oil.
  2. Combine the oats, brown sugar, baking powder and salt in a large bowl and stir until thoroughly mixed.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs, banana, milk and vanilla.
  4. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until blended.
  5. Stir in walnut, ground flax seed and strawberries.
  6. Spoon the oatmeal mixture into prepared muffin tin.
  7. Bake uncovered for 22-25 minutes or until oatmeal is lightly browned and a toothpick inserted into the middle comes out clean.
Recipe Notes

An Emily Bites Original

From Emilybites.com: Strawberry Banana Oatmeal Bites

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Sweet Potato Pancakes

This is one of my favorite pancake recipes, delicious and leaves the belly feeling full and happy. Whenever I have sweet potato on my weekly menu (either to roast or cook stovetop), I add an extra sweet potato to have for these pancakes or for Sweet Potato Oatmeal. If I’m not going to use it immediately, I freeze the puree. You can also use butternut squash or pumpkin puree (canned is fine) instead.

Sweet potatoes
Sweet Potato Pancakes
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Servings
4
Servings
4
Sweet potatoes
Sweet Potato Pancakes
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Servings
4
Servings
4
Ingredients
Adjust servings:
Units:
Instructions
  1. In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
  2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the remaining ingredients.
  3. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir until just combined.
  4. Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat and lightly coat with butter or oil. Pour about 1 tablespoon of the pancake mixture onto the griddle, making as many pancakes as will fit and cook for 2 minutes.
  5. Flip the pancakes and cook for one minute longer.
  6. Top with homemade cranberry sauce, pureed mixed berries or pear compote
Recipe Notes

Serve with maple syrup and chopped nuts on top.

Weelicious: Sweet Potato Pancakes

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Oatmeal with Pear and Pecans

In general I use rolled oats, also known as old-fashioned oats. The difference between rolled oats, steel-cut oats and instant oatmeal is how the oat graots are processed. Oat groats are the inner kernel of the grain. First the outer hull is removed exposing the groat, then the groats are steamed which gives them a longer shelf life (otherwise their natural enzymes make them go rancid). Groats are then either rolled into old-fashioned flakes or chopped into small pieces called steel-cut oats. Instant oatmeal is an extremely thin form of oat flakes. Because they are the most processed, they have a higher glycemic index value meaning that their starch is converted into sugar and released in the bloodstream more quickly. Most instant oatmeal is highly sweetend and laden with artificial flavoring and additives, making it a sweet treat rather than a healthy, satisfying breakfast.

Oats have extensive nutrional benefits, in particular the benefits of oats on blood sugar and cholesterol are well known.

For more about the health benefits of oats: Health Studies on Oats

Oatmeal with Pear and Pecans
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Variations: 1. Replace pear with apple, mango, peach, berries or other fresh or frozen fruit 2. Replace pecans with any other nut, pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds,
Servings
2
Servings
2
Oatmeal with Pear and Pecans
Print Recipe
Variations: 1. Replace pear with apple, mango, peach, berries or other fresh or frozen fruit 2. Replace pecans with any other nut, pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds,
Servings
2
Servings
2
Ingredients
  • 3/4 cup rolled oats
  • 1/2 teaspoon cardamom (or cinnamon), ground
  • 1 1/4 cup milk I use almond or soy milk.
  • 1 - 2 tablespoons maple syrup or honey
  • 1/2 pear cored and chopped into bite-size pieces
  • 1/4 cup pecans (or other nut) chopped
  • 1 tablespoon flaxseed ground (optional)
Adjust servings:
Units:
Instructions
  1. Mix oats and cardamom in a small saucepan, mix in milk and maple syrup (or honey) and cook over medium heat for 5 –8 minutes until the oats are tender.
  2. Sprinke ground flaxseed over oatmeal and mix in. Gently mix in pear and pecans.
  3. Add more milk or sweetener pending on your personal preference.
Recipe Notes

[su_original_recipe]

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Ambrosial Torte from Historic Cacao

Cacao was domesticated in Central America about 3,000 years ago. Linguistic findings suggest the word “cacao” is comes from the word kakawa in Mixe-Zoquean, believed to have been the language of the Olmecs, the oldest civilization of the Americas (1500–400 B.C.). The chocolate legacy passed from the Olmecs to the Maya, one of Mesoamerica’s most advanced civilizations. Drinking vessels elaborately decorated with chocolate illustrations discovered by archaeologists contain traces of ceremonial chocolate drinks dating from 250 to 900 A.D.

Cacao beans were so valued in ancient Mexico that the Maya and later Toltec and Aztec civilizations used them as currency to purchase small household items and pay for various services: a large tomato was worth one cacao bean, a rabbit 10 beans, and a slave 100 beans. Taxes levied against conquered tribes were also paid in cacao beans.

Typically Mexican chocolate is made with roasted and ground cacao nibs, sugar and cinnamon; other spices like nutmeg and allspice can also be added.

Chocolate and cinnamon
Mexican Chocolate Torte
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Chocolate and cinnamon
Mexican Chocolate Torte
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Ingredients
The Torte
The Glaze
Adjust servings:
Units:
Instructions
The Torte
  1. Preheat the oven to 325°F. Butter an 8-1/2-inch springform pan and line it with a round of wax paper. Butter the paper and dust the pan with flour, knocking out the excess.
  2. In a small skillet on the stove top, toast the almonds about 5 minutes and let them cool.
  3. In a food processor blend together cooled almonds, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt until the almonds are ground fine.
  4. Add the chocolate, and blend the mixture until the chocolate is ground fine.
  5. Add the egg yolks and vanilla; blend the mixture until it is combined well (it will be very thick), and transfer it to a bowl.
  6. In another bowl beat the egg whites with an electric mixer with a pinch of salt until they hold soft peaks, beat in the granulated sugar gradually, until the meringue holds stiff peaks.
  7. Whisk about one third of the meringue into the chocolate mixture to lighten it. Fold in the remaining meringue gently but thoroughly.
  8. Pour the batter into the pan, smoothing the top, and bake in the middle of the oven for 45 to 55 minutes, or until a tester comes out clean.
  9. Let the torte cool in the pan. Run a thin knife around the edge, and remove the side of the pan. Invert the torte onto a rack, discarding the wax paper.
The Glaze
  1. In a metal bowl set over barely simmering water in a saucepan, combine the chocolate, the butter, and the cream.
  2. Stir the mixture until it is smooth, and let the glaze cool until it is just lukewarm.
  3. Set the torte on the rack over wax paper and pour the glaze over it, smoothing the glaze with a spatula and letting the excess drip down the side.
Recipe Notes

Source: Epicurious: Mexican Chocolate Torte

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