Cauliflower "Mashed Potatoes"

A healthy and delicious alternative to mashed potatoes.  It will become a new family go-to, with less guilt and just as much flavor.  Also, a great way to fool kids and adults into eating their veggies.  In fact, my daughter NAILED THEM - so I even included a picture as proof.


When I made them they were chunkier than mashed potatoes, but I just used a hand mixture.  If you like them smoothier, without cauliflower pieces (more mashed potato-like) then I suggest using a blender or food processor).  I don't know if they will replace mashed potatoes, but they were truly delicious and will be a regular item here.


Submitted by:  Dana Newbrough


Cook time:  20-30 min

Ingredients:
     -  1 medium head of cauliflower
     -  1 Tbl. softened cream cheese
     -  1/4 c. grated Parmesan cheese
     -  1/2 tsp. minced garlic
     -  1/8 tsp. straight chicken base or bullion
     -  1/8 tsp. pepper
     -  1/2 tsp. chopped fresh or dry chives, for garnish
     -  3 Tbl butter
     -  Salt, to taste

Directions:
1)  Set of large pot of water to boil over high heat.
2)  Clean and cut cauliflower into small pieces.  Cook in boiling water for about 6 minutes, or until well done.  Drain well; do not let cool.  Pat cooked cauliflower very dry between several layers of paper towels.
3)  In a bowl with an blender, or in a food processor, puree the hot cauliflower with the cream cheese, Parmesan, garlic, chicken base and pepper until almost smooth.
4)  Garnish with chives and serve with hot pats of butter

Barbecued Succotash

The perfect compliment to any dish - my favorite is with fried/coated chicken or shredded barbeque pork sandwiches.  YUM!  A great summer cook-out treat, as well!


Taken from:  Rachel Ray 30 min. meals

Cook time:  10 minutes               Prep time:  10-15 minutes

Ingredients:
     -  1 Tbl. olive or vegetable oil, turn to coat pan
     -  1/2 red onion, diced
     -  1 red bell pepper, seeded and chopped
     -  1 (14 oz) can black beans
     -  1 (10 oz) box frozen corn
     -  Salt and pepper, to taste
     -  1/4 cup smoky or hickory barbecue sauce
     -  2 Tbl. parsley (or chopped chives or cilantro leaves)

Directions:
1)  Heat a medium skillet over medium-high heat.  Add onions and peppers and saute 5 minutes.
2)  Add beans and corn and season with salt and pepper.  When corn heats through, add barbecue sauce.
3)  Add parsley and stir to combine. 

Sauted Spinach

EASY, NUTRITIOUS!

Ingredients:
     -  1 Tbl. olive oil
     -  1 bag of Spinach leaves
     -  2 garlice cloves finely chopped or 2 tsp. minced garlic
     -  1/2 Tbl. lemon juice
     -  Red Pepper flakes

Directions:
1)  Wash and dry spinach leaves.  Chop and remove steams.  Heat oil in large non-stick skillet over medium heat.
2)  Place dry spinach leaves in skillet.  Add garlic, lemon juice and red pepper flakes (to your liking).  Place cover on skillet and let steam down 2-5 minutes.