Balsamic Bacon Cauliflower

Beautiful? Maybe not. Scrumptious? DEFINITELY! This tasty dish, seasoned only with white balsamic, intensifies in flavor with the added bacon and apples! Combined, they create a party on your palate!

Ingredients:

- 1 head of cauliflower 

- 1/2 cup white balsamic vinegar

- 4 to 5 strips of bacon, cut into pieces

- 1 granny smith apple

Preheat the oven for 400 degrees. Clean and cut the cauliflower into bite-size pieces. In a medium bowl, soak the cauliflower with the balsamic vinegar and let set for 15 minutes. Meanwhile, cut the bacon into pieces and thinly slice the apple. Drain the excess vinegar off the cauliflower and line cauliflower in a baking dish. Arrange the apple slices on top of the cauliflower and top it off with the bacon pieces. Place, uncovered, in the oven and bake for 45 minutes (or until cauliflower is tender and bacon is crisp.) Enjoy! If you'd like a printer-friendly version of this recipe, Click Here.

"First, they'll ask you why you're doing it. 

Later, they will ask you how you did it." - Anonymous 

Swordfish and Scallops with Creamed Purple Cauliflower

Restaurant-quality food, easily made at home! This succulent dish will have your friends and family thinking they're dining at a five-star restaurant. The perfect dinner for that special someone, who will think you're a top chef! :) Pretty quick meal that tastes like you've been in the kitchen for hours! 

Ingredients:

- 1 small head purple cauliflower, chopped

- 2 Tbs half and half

- 5 Tbs butter, divided

- 2 tsp. grated parmesan

- salt and pepper to taste

- 1/4 tsp. onion powder

- 1/4 tsp. garlic powder
- 1 lb. fresh boneless swordfish
- pinch of salt and pepper

- 2 sprigs of thyme

- lemon zest from one lemon
- 1/2 lb. fresh scallops

- basil, tarragon, or parsley for garnish

Rinse cauliflower, chop, and place in a microwavable-safe bowl. Add 2 tsp. water and microwave, covered, for 5 minutes. Remove, let cool slightly, and transfer to a food processor. Add half and half, 1 tablespoon of butter, parmesan, salt and pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder. Process until smooth. Set aside. (You can quickly reheat if it cools off too much).

In a skillet over medium-high heat, add 3 tablespoons of butter. Sprinkle swordfish with salt and pepper. Once butter starts sizzling and the pan is very hot, add swordfish and thyme sprigs and sear on each side for 2 to 3 minutes, while continually spooning the melted butter on top of the swordfish while it's searing. Remove from skillet to a plate and sprinkle with lemon zest.

In the same skillet, add last tablespoon of butter. Rinse scallops and pat dry. Sprinkle scallops with salt and pepper. Once butter starts sizzling, add scallops to skillet and sear for 1 minute on each side. Remove to a plate. 

Plate your beautiful entree' with the creamed cauliflower, then swordfish, and then scallops. Garnish with parsley, basil, or tarragon. Enjoy!! If you'd like a printer-friendly version of this recipe, Click Here.

"Until further notice, celebrate everything." - Anonymous 

Bacon-Cheddar Creamy Cauliflower

Enjoy as a chowder! Enjoy as side dish! It doesn't matter how you serve it, it is one amazingly tasty dish!

Ingredients:

- 1 Tbs flour
- 1 cup plus 2 Tbs chicken broth
- 5 slices of center cut bacon (I used Oscar Mayer; 70 cal for 2 slices), chopped
- 1 1/2 Tbs shallots, diced
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 2 cups grated cauliflower
- 1 cup 2% milk
- 1/2 tsp. sea salt
- 1/4 tsp. pepper
- 1 cup Kraft Sharp Cheddar shredded cheese (made with 2% milk for 1/3 less fat)
- green onion (green parts only), chopped

Whisk together flour and 2 Tbs chicken broth and set aside. In a large soup pot, cook bacon over medium-high heat until crisp. Transfer bacon to a plate and remove all bacon grease from pot except 1 Tbs. Add onions and garlic and sauté for 1 minute. Add grated cauliflower, remaining 1 cup chicken broth, milk, salt, and pepper. Let come to a boil and then slowly whisk in flour/chicken broth mixture. Turn down heat and let simmer 3 to 4 minutes or until it starts to thicken. Turn off heat and stir in cheddar cheese and 3 pieces of the cooked bacon. Spoon creamy cauliflower in serving bowls and top with remaining bacon, green onions, and a pinch more cheddar cheese if desired. Enjoy! I you'd like a printer-friendly version of this recipe, Click Here.

"She turned her can'ts into cans and her dreams into plans." 

- Anonymous