'Caulimash' Cauliflower Puree Recipe

I thought it would be appropriate to make my first entry one of my favorite recipes...cauliflower puree (I call this Caulimash, since it tastes so much like mashed potatoes!). Once you've tried this, you'll forget all about mashed potatoes...I don't even crave them anymore! Vegetable purees are a great way to add variety to your sides, try adding different spices and flavors to some old standards like squash, eggplant, zucchini, etc...try experimenting with different combinations and tastes! Cream cheese, butter, sour cream, or ricotta adds "mouthfeel" that makes the puree taste smoother and "richer". It's up to you to figure out how much, if any, of these you prefer and/or fit into your nutritional plan...enjoy!

Cauliflower Puree - makes approx. 6 half-cup servings

1 head fresh cauliflower or 1 large bag frozen

2 oz butter

2 cloves fresh garlic chopped fine or 1 teaspoon from jar

2 green onions chopped fine, white and light green parts only

2 oz cream cheese, softened

Salt and pepper to taste

Steam cauliflower until very tender (stovetop or microwave). Chop cauliflower into small pieces, using only florets and upper parts of stems, set aside. Melt 1 Tbl butter and saute garlic and onions until browning, but not burnt. Add garlic/onion saute, remaining butter, and cream cheese to warm cauliflower. Whip in blender, standing or hand mixer, or immersion blender (my preference) until smooth. Add additional butter, salt and pepper to taste. Experiment with different flavors, adding some chopped bacon and shredded cheddar at the finish is a great option with barbecue!