2014 Trends {Cauliflower}

Yes, I realize it is almost March. Yes, I also realize that looking at food trends and predictions for the year usually start much sooner than this, but you know what, better late than never.

If you set out on Google or Pinterest to find a list of food trends for 2014 you will notice something very quickly... there are several  lists with this years popular items. I just decided to combine some items from a bunch of different lists that I liked/or interested me. Instead of dumping them on you all at once, I am going to spread them out a bit so we can truly enjoy each one. So, here we go!

1. Cauliflower

That's right! The stuff you probably turned your nose up to as a kid,{and maybe you still do} but hang on a minute, cauliflower has gotten totally cool recently. Who knew it could be use so many different ways? I read somewhere that cauliflower is the new kale. I personally love cauliflower but have had fun trying it out in new ways recently.

Here is one that blew my mind...pizza crust! Picture and recipe found here.

Ingredients

• 1 small head or 2/3 large head of cauliflower
• ¼ cups Parmesan Cheese
• ¼ cups Monterey Jack Cheese
• ¼ teaspoons Sea Salt
• ½ teaspoons Dried Basil
• ½ teaspoons Dried Oregano
• ½ teaspoons Garlic Powder
• 1 Egg

Instructions

1. Wash and thoroughly dry the cauliflower.
2. Cut off the florets.  You don’t need the stem.
3. Pulse in the food processor until you get cauliflower “snow”.  You should end up with 2 to 3 cups.
4. Cover the cauliflower and microwave for about 4 or 5 minutes.
5. Dump the cauliflower out onto a paper towel and clean tea towel and let it cool off.
6. Preheat the oven to 450ºF.  Place your cookie sheet in the oven to heat it up.
7. Wrap up the cauliflower in the dish cloth and paper towel and wring out as much excess water as you can.
8. Combine the Parmesan cheese, Monterey Jack cheese, sea salt, dried basil, dried oregano,  garlic powder, and cauliflower in a medium bowl.
9. Mix it together with a spoon to combine the ingredients. Then add the egg and use your hands to form it into a dough ball.
10. Pat it down gently onto a piece of parchment paper with oil spread (or sprayed) onto it.
11. Use your hands to form it into a pizza crust, about 1/4″ thick.
12. Optional: Slide the parchment paper onto the heated up cookie sheet and bake the crust without any toppings for about 8 to 11 minutes until it is golden brown.
13. Remove from the oven and add your toppings. 
14. Bake it for another 5 to 7 minutes with your toppings on it.
15. Note: If you are only going to bake it once, leave it in for about 15 to 17 minutes.

Another fun idea is cauliflower garlic "mashed potatoes".  Now, I will be honest, it took me a few times to get the consistency just right. This is probably because I am one of those "a splash of this" type cooks and I am guilty of just eyeballin' it way to often. I like to think it is my creativity- I just make things up as I go. I am also stubborn in thinking I can glance at a recipe an figure it out and I refuse to look up the original recipie. Oh well! Anyways when I get these just right, they were excellent! I love the lighter feel of these but they do not skimp on flavor.

Or maybe you want to start off with something super simple like roasted cauliflower. Before you know it you may end up like this food blogger who uses her creamy cauliflower sauce for everything!

Hopefully this gives you a new take on this once boring vegetable. What else have you made with cauliflower? I'd love to hear your experiences too! 

Next up on my list. Lemons!