I've always loved Valentine's Day! You can be disgustingly sappy, but no one can fault you for it, because you've got a holiday for an excuse! This day can make you feel incredibly special, or, as many Valentine's Days for many people have, kinda lonely.
One of my favorite Valentine's Days was my sophomore year of college. I lived in a house with my two best friends from childhood. We were all single, and rather depressed whomp whomp, that we had no dates that evening. So we were each other's dates! It was a homemade-meat-filled-cheese-drenched lasagna, a bottle (or 3) of red wine, and an SVU marathon kind of night. And it was great. I was with people who loved me more than anything. And celebrating love, any and all kinds of love, is what Valentine's Day is really about.
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| My two best friends in the back yard of our college house, dancing (obviously) at one of our famous BBQs |
Although I cherish that memory, things have changed. My attempts to live healthy no longer allow me (thankfully) to eat a 1/3 of a lasagna and drink a bottle of wine. But that doesn't mean I can't enjoy some delicious cheese! Enter homestyle cauliflower mac and cheese! I told you cauliflower would change your life. I also have a wonderful boyfriend...who happens to be, currently, hundreds of miles away (I love you!). Enter my best friend and early makeshift Valentine's Day date.
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| Brett, enjoying a yummy meal! |
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| Salad, Mac and Cheese and Malbec |
Looking for something to make for your valentine tonight? Or be your own valentine and make it just for you! PS it's approved by one of America's most loved power couples...the recipe is based on one of Mrs. Obama's favorite dishes!
Cauliflower Mac and Cheese
Hands on time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 30-40 minutes
What you need:
- 1 lb whole wheat penne pasta
- 1 cup skin milk
- 1 lb shredded part skim cheese (I used half mozzarella and half cheddar)
- 1/2 head of Cauliflower cut into florets
- 1/4 cup parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tsp garlic (I used powder because I was lazy)
- 1/2 chopped small yellow onion
- 1/2 cup bread crumbs
- 1 Tbs butter
- 1 Tbs olive oil
- Fresh parsley
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| I love my food processor, pulverizing the cauliflower |
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| Hidden cauliflower puree |
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| Getting all the ingredients together |
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| Just before the oven |
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| Fresh out of the oven! Bubbly, crusty and delicious |
Steam your cauliflower. I used fresh and so I put my florets in a pan with a little water and did it the old fashioned way. You can also use those steam in a bag microwave cauliflower packages. Whatever works, save time where you can! Now put a pot of water on the stove to boil. If you are using real garlic, chop up a clove and chop up your onion, cook them in a hot skillet with the olive oil until translucent. Put the pasta in your boiling water and while that is cooking, add your steamed cauliflower florets to a blender or food processor and turn it into a smooth cream. Add the cauliflower puree to your oven safe casserole dish. Mix in the onions, garlic, milk, and shredded cheese. When your pasta is done (cook it al dente since it will keep baking) mix it into the dish. Chop your fresh parsley and add a few pinches to the mac and cheese, along with salt and pepper to taste. Mix well. Top with the parmesan cheese. How many times will this post say cheese, love it! Cut the butter into teeny tiny pieces and mix it with the breadcrumbs. I just used a fork and then my fingers to blend it together. Sprinkle on top and then pop in the oven for about 20 minutes! The top will be cripsy and golden and the cheese will bubble up when it's done! Garnish with the remaining parsley before serving!
Happy Valentine's Day!
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