Tuesday To Do List: Celiac Disease Awareness Month

Tuesday To Do List is my newest attempt at bringing you tidbits from the gluten-free world each week. This will continue until my mind-that-doesn’t-rest comes up with another way to entertain you guys. You can read my very first to-do list here. Cross your fingers I am back here next Tuesday with another list.

HAPPY CELIAC DISEASE AWARENESS MONTH!

Here’s what you should do to celebrate…

• Come join OUR CELEBRATION at our May Gluten Free Get Together dinner at Jose’s Blue Sombrero on Monday, May 23rd. RSVP via the Facebook invite. We’ll be trying tasty treats from Bread SRSLY, (sourdough anyone?!) American Gluten Free, and MORE!

• Celiac Disease Awareness Month AND Cinco de Mayo? Yahoo. Let’s have 4 Ingredient Margaritas, Jalawhoppers, (my fave item at Jose’s Blue Sombrero!) Easy Peasy Taco Dip,  and Mexican Lasagna!

• Make these coffee cake muffins to celebrate being a super celiac and Mother’s Day all in the same month!

• Go check out all the GF goodies at Aldi — friends have been posting about it all week. (the CHEESECAKE platter is baaaaaack!)

UPDATE 5/4/16: Thanks to Johnna from In Johnna’s Kitchen for posting photos from Aldi that show that cheesecake (labeled CERTIFIED GLUTEN FREE) also has a “may contain traces of wheat” warning. This makes no sense to me. Certified should actually mean something. Another reminder to check and recheck and check again on those labels every single time. 😦

• Stop over at Pacific Bistro in Delafield for GF options galore!

• Take a trip. A gluten free adventure somewhere new. We have several trips coming up: Denver, DC, Charlotte. Shout out any “must see” places with GF goodies or otherwise. And take a peek at this list of gluten-free bloggers who do some traveling. (honored to have made the list!)

• Cupcakes. Let’s celebrate with cupcakes! I’ve been trying out different options for healthier treats — not to say I’m not going to have treats sometimes, but I’m on day 33 of real food and my body just seems to do better eating this way so I’d like to find more ideas for coconut and almond flour and use up all those dates in the freezer!

• Make this (or anything from the book!) Kung Pao Chicken from Laura B. Russel’s book, The Gluten Free Asian Kitchen — the dumplings are divine! You can also read my review of the book HERE first, and there’s actually a link to that chicken recipe in the post.

I’d love to hear YOUR celiac story — if you’d like to share in the comments below, that would be swell.

As much as I wish I were getting paid big bucks to add these links to my page, I’m not. They are not affiliate links. I’m just sharing to share.

Tuesday To Do List: what to buy, spy, and try! (or sometimes cry about)

Tuesday To Do List is my newest attempt at bringing you tidbits from the gluten-free world each week. This will continue until my mind-that-doesn’t-rest comes up with another way to entertain you guys. You can read my very first to-do list here. Cross your fingers I am back here next Tuesday with another list.

Our Badgers won in the very last second the other night on the court, sending them to the Sweet 16… but the REAL March Madness is March MUFFIN Madness happening right now with “coach” Shirley. 😉 Go check out ALL of the recipes (and oh-so-generous prizes!!!) and then try out my coffee cake muffins I entered in the madness last year.

I spy happy mail from Coors Peak today. They are rolling out a new flavor in their Coors Peak line, the Golden Lager, and I get to try it! (stay tuned for my thoughts on this one, going to try my best to save it until this weekend with the family so the rest of Team GF can try it too!)

I also may try to save a little for these gluten-free onion rings!

We are trying out 225 South/Mia Famiglia’s new location in Waukesha tomorrow night for our GF Get Together dinner — friends on Facebook have been raving about the plentiful options for the GF crowd and their careful handling/separate prep area to avoid cross contamination.

For once in my life, I was thankful for a delay during my layover — it meant sit down dinner at Root Down in the Denver airport!

You must try when you’re passing through Concourse C. (actually ALL of the restaurants in their group: Root Down, Linger, and Ophelia’s have gluten-free options and I’ve eaten at ALL of them safely. Looks like my dear friend Johnna love Root Down as well, read about her experience here.

Another EVERYthing is gluten-free bakery/restaurant find, this time in Tucson, AZ. We are headed back this fall to celebrate my brother’s retirement from the Air Force (SO proud of him!) and will be going back to Gourmet Girls Gluten Free Bakery & Bistro.

 

After being in summer-like weather all week in Arizona, I had a severe vacation hangover returning to chilly Wisconsin weather. Dreaming of real spring temps… maybe these Springtime Lemon Bars would help?

 

Give me all the lemon desserts — next up is this naturally GF meyer lemon creme brûlée !

As much as I wish I were getting paid big bucks to add these links to my page, I’m not. They are not affiliate links. I’m just sharing to share.

Tuesday To Do List — Gluten Free Thanksgiving

Tuesday To Do List is my newest attempt at bringing you tidbits from the gluten-free world each week. This will continue until my mind-that-doesn’t-rest comes up with another way to entertain you guys. You can read my very first to-do list here. Cross your fingers I am back here next Tuesday with another list.

Today we’re talking turkey, pumpkin pie, and everything in between that you might just want to add to your gluten-free Thanksgiving To Do List!

The Gluten-Free Recipe Fix: Thanksgiving Edition is your one-stop-shop for the feast!

We love this stuffing and will make it again this year. (my Trader Joe’s insider says the GF candy cane Joe Joe’s arrive next week at the Glendale, WI location!)

(it’s very stove-top-like, which is celiac sister’s fave. we use less water than called for and it’s pretty perfect.)

Word on the street is that Aldi has gluten-free fried onions for green bean casserole. Mamasita is thrilled about this so I’ll be buying some before heading home to MN for our fabulously gluten-free feast!

Shirley has rounded up FORTY, yes 4-0, pie crust recipes to choose from. (thank you!) I just sent this Best Gluten-Free Flaky Pie Crust recipe to my mama to check out.

Need a quick, easy snack mix? Try this.

Some of our family favorites for you to try — love grandma’s rice!

Want fresh baked bread with your turkey day meal? This recipe is for you.

You know I love a good graphic. (or seventeen) All things Thanksgiving in graphics.

There are always requests for my pumpkin spice cookies with cream cheese frosting.

Shauna and Danny have an app you can download but also a LIST of videos and recipes to try.

Be safe. If you aren’t as lucky as we are to have a fully gluten-free meal, Shirley has tips to remember when visiting the fam. (last weekend the stars aligned during my birthday weekend in Denver and I got to meet up with Shirley and Johnna for drinks and dessert…follow along with both of these lovely, down to earth, gluten-free friends!)

EnJOY the time with your families, my friends. This last week was filled with JOYful memory making, but also tragic events on a global and much closer to home level — I can’t make sense of it all, but in times like these, I gather with my tribe and look for the light.

The week from Instagram…

(follow along: @celiacinthecity)

coffee with my BFF in Denver!

BFF feeds CITC well

 

enchilada chicken stew from PaleOMG

Ophelia’s Denver: doing gluten free right!

Breck with the bees, birthday eve

 

 

 

Mi Casa Breckenridge

street tacos & margaritas at Mi Casa

headtilting laughs

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

best friends forever with new arrows of friendship from alex & ani

 

 

 

christopher elbow chocolates & mint chocolate chip birthday treat

 

 

 

 

 

 

our house on the hill (this weather!)

hello, home.

handsomepants

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

#prayforparis

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As much as I wish I were getting paid big bucks to add these links to my page, I’m not. They are not affiliate links. I’m just sharing to share.

 

 

 

 

Friday Photos: the view from here

*Update 2/9: sorry if you stopped by yesterday when I posted this but the photos weren’t showing up — kind of defeats the purpose of Friday Photos. Here it is again. 🙂

The alarm went off at 4:30am and there has been no coffee, so I can’t really be held responsible for the content of this post. 😉

It’s my annual “bee my valentine” trip to Denver — where we’ll bake sweet treats, spend a crafternoon making valentines, and hopefully sneak out of the hive for a girls’ night with my BFF.

But first, a week in photos…

I joined Vine this week. It’s kind of like Twitter and Instagram got together and had a cool kid named Vine. Short (6 second) videos that show up on your stream. Thinking some quick tutorials could be fun, or just documenting gluten-free goodness around Milwaukee and while traveling.

Check out my debut video of my long time friend of the blog, Quinlin, and his review of Grandma G’s Monster Cookies with ice cream — just click here.

He might just have an ongoing position around here. Little did he know when he showed up for Taco Night that he would be the star of the show.

And while Q devoured dessert…

I think the taco bar stole the show.

Sometimes Sunday afternoons call for a CafeChata. (Or a RumChata Chocolate works too.)

I know I say this often, and I’m not trying to rub it in, but I have THE best friends, family, and co-workers when it comes to being supportive of my gluten-free life style. I’m truly blessed and offer up the praises to them because some folks can’t even get their own parents to get the gluten-free thing, which always saddens me, and I have a whole team of people cheering me on.

Yesterday my supervisors treated our staff to a pizza lunch in appreciation for our work — the beginning of the semester in the post-secondary world can get a little crazy, and they wanted to show their gratitude. Sweet huh? Even sweeter was the fact that they got me my own GF pizza. From a separate pizza place that carries gluten-free crusts, VIA on Downer. (Thanks Amy & Shannon for ALWAYS including me — it means the world to me. From M&M’s and popcorn at every meeting to never forgetting to bring the labels, you’re the best!)

Yesterday looked like someone shook the snow globe all.day.long.

Which meant a warm beverage was needed in order to brave the storm to run errands. (but it also meant time with my guy, which was long overdue, and it was fun to cruise around in his new truck and not worry we won’t make it through the intersection, which is usually the case with Little Civ.)

Time to wrap this up, we’re landing — hello, Denver. Nice to see you again.

Have a JOYful weekend!

xoxo

Sarah

(delayed) Friday Photos from Denver

Welcome to Friday Photos, a weekly feature here on Celiac in the City — you can read how it all started by clicking HERE.

From an unplugged Memorial Day weekend…

(how do you like the camo? we were on a boat. fishing. at 7am. just me and my guy.)

…to a show at Red Rocks…

It’s been one crazy week!

Let’s back up for a second and check out the cool finds from up north.

We stopped at Piggly Wiggly in Green Bay on our way up north, and I was more than impressed with their gluten-free selection. Shelves of GF goodness, including this Love Grown Foods granola. Short ingredient list, just the way I like it. And tasty too. Not to mention it was on sale for $3.49, which is a steal for gluten-free granola. Perfectly paired with Noosa yoghurt. (as I sit here typing this in Colorado, it’s ironic that both of these products are from here)

As usual, my girls in D-town were prepared for me — there was Crispin cider waiting in one fridge and New Planet Beer in the other, and both had stocked up on gluten-free snacks.

Most of my week was spent with my BFF and her two little bees — we conquered the park, worked our way through the storybook shelf, had dance parties in the kitchen, and indulged in good food.

(Miss Bee loves food as much as me.)

We did a little grilling — turkey burgers with avocado and a side of quinoa salad.

In the quinoa mix:

black beans

tomatoes

cilantro

Dressed with:

olive oil

lime juice

lime zest

salt/pepper

Grabbed some Tokyo Joe’s on the go.

And they were a helpful bunch, reassuring me that they take precautions (separate equipment, knives, cutting boards, etc.) to avoid cross contamination and provide a safe meal for those with dietary restrictions.

Thanks, Tokyo Joe’s!

Followed tradition and made a trip to Udi’s Cafe.

And satisfied a sweet tooth with Ciao Bella mango sorbet.

But I did sneak away for a Red Rocks show, with a Chipotle tailgate dinner. And a night out for adult beverages and pizza.

Thanks to a comment on a previous post, from someone local to Denver, I found a new pizza place to check out.

Lucky Pie. Have you been?

I’ll be back next time I’m in Denver. For sure. Oh-so-good.

To wrap up the weekend, we took a little stroll and made our second appearance of the week at Wash Perk — where the iced coffee was pretty much perfect and they had a little case of gluten-free goodies to go with the java.

It was tough to choose, so we got two. I think that’s standard.

pumpkin bread and almond-poppy seed muffin

And just when I thought I was on my way out… we sat on the runway waiting.

And waiting…

So when we finally took off, (an hour and a half later) we were in need of a cocktail.

Sister Laura and I whipped up some Izze cocktails — a recent addition to my summer beverage line up.

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I’m back at home.

Catching up on life.

And preparing to teach my first gluten-free class next week — would love to see you there! I’m going out on a limb with this one. It’s on my 2012 list, but putting it down on the list was the easy part. Actually doing it makes me a tad nervous.

So come on down and ease the nerves will ya? 🙂

You can sign up for the Dabble class, “Going Gluten-Free 101” by clicking here. 

I’ll be back soon — I have a shrimp skillet dinner to share with you guys. And “pan toast,” have you heard of it? Trust me, you’re going to want to make it this week for breakfast.

{Friday Photos — a girl. her mamasita. both love food. today will travel.}

Today is a good day, isn’t it?

The countdown is on … I leave for Denver on Tuesday! And you guys know how much I heart D-town. This is a super-special trip because my BFF just had a sweet little baby girl — and already has a little “bee” that I just adore, and we just so happen to be celebrating her 2nd birthday while I’m there. T-minus four days!

But before I jet out to the Rockies, the countdown (in hours) is going for a long weekend up north.

I can already hear Jungle Jim’s calling my name — you really should stop in and visit next time you’re in the northwoods.

But before I go, let me recap the week.

You know that smiling face — it’s my Mamasita!

That little trickster showed up at our Team Gluten-Free 5k on Saturday to SURPRISE me. And surprise me she did. (she had been scheming with the husband and my bestie Liesel for quite some time) They were like ninjas and showed up right before the race started — out of no where.

The icing on the cake? My mama got to stay until Tuesday.

She loves food as much as this girl, so we filled up on all kinds of GF goodness while she was here.

A couple smoothie breakfasts, lunch in Cedarburg at Vintage Cafe, and a night of grilling on the balcony — my guy can make a mean steak.

While we were out and about last week, we spotted the new Fresh Market in Fox Point. They stock some GF treats I have never even seen before. And they carry Jovial GF pasta. Get in there and check it out!

Before I sent my mama on her way, I introduced her to one of my all time favorite restaurants, Bunky’s Cafe in Madison. 

We shared the hummus plate, meat lasagna, and chocolate-caramel cheesecake. Go there. As soon as you possibly can.

Oh, and after the 5k last week, we fueled up on some Luna Protein Bars — the folks at Luna were kind enough to send some of every flavor for the group to try. I’ve gotten nothing but rave reviews this week, from those who tried them. (although I wish the ingredient list was just a tad shorter, I love that they pack in the protein — 12g — for each bar, and they keep me full longer)

Like days like today, when I’m camped out at Alterra on the lake for a meeting, catching up on emails, and popping in here before I unplug for the weekend.

(Chocolate Cherry Almond is my new fave) 

But before I go, here are some recipes you could be making this weekend for your Memorial Day picnic.

• Easy-Peasy Taco Dip
• Russian Mudslides
• Any one of these salads
• These lemon bars would be lovely
• How about this FOUR ingredient artichoke dip? 
• My one ingredient peach sorbet would be perfect for Sunday, it’s supposed to be HOT!
• The kiddos will love these s’more bites!

What are you up to on this long, holiday weekend? Any road trips planned? Or chilling at home?

Jovial gluten-free pasta & sweet treats

This week is spring break at UWM, so technically I am off. No classes to interpret, my arms and hands are taking a much needed rest. (for the most part) I am sneaking in a bit of work to make up for my time off next week — for our honeymoon! Can hardly wait to plant my feet in the sand, bust out The Hunger Games with a side of fruity drink, and spend some much needed time with my guy.

I used to spend spring break in Denver every year, with my BFF. (and I still do sometimes) Every single time, we would make “tuna noodle,” our specialty since our college days in La Crosse. It was usually accompanied by grilled chicken breast and a side of garlic bread — you know, to keep things simple.

When I started eating gluten-free, we sort of ditched the tuna noodle. Yes, a sad day in Denver.

Mostly because we’ve moved on to bigger and better things… like husbands that cook for us. 🙂

And because Denver is such a gluten-free haven, we tend to check out the options for dining out more often these days — and there are plenty of them, see for yourself here.

Another reason we don’t really do the tuna noodle route anymore is because gluten-free pasta can be kind of finicky. You have to cook it perfectly. Otherwise it is complete mush that falls apart, or too hard to even think of using for a cold salad.

But then Jovial pasta came along.

And tuna noodle is back, baby!

This is big news for me and my girl, Mel. Guessing there will be a little head tilting laugh or two, to celebrate.

Tuna Noodle ~ Gluten-Free Style

1 package Jovial pasta of your choice

1 package tuna 

1-2 handfuls of peas – Yes, very technical measuring here. I love me some peas. 

1 stalk celery, diced

Hellman’s mayo – This varies. You can lightly coat, or really sauce it up, it’s up to you!

Smidge of mustard (optional)

Cheese of your choice, cubed or shredded (optional)

Salt and pepper

Prepare Jovial pasta according to box instructions. Set a timer for yourself. When it comes out perfectly cooked, you’ll be happy you did. While pasta is cooking, add all other ingredients into a large bowl. You may want to hold off with the mayo until you see how much pasta you have, or add some now, and a little later too.

When pasta is cooked, rinse with cool water, drain and add to the bowl. Stir to combine all ingredients and season with salt and pepper to your liking. If you have will power, allow it to chill in the fridge before serving. If you are anything like me and Mel, eat it out of the bowl. (What? We use separate forks.)

*Remember with any recipes I put on here — they are a guide for you. Feel free to mess with them and make them your own. You know your dietary needs best, so feel free to substitute whatever ingredients are best for you. Whatever makes you so happy, it calls for a head tilter.

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The friendly folks at Jovial sent me several different pastas to try and they were kind enough to send sample size bags for everyone at our Gluten-Free Get Together event too. (they’re good people like that)

We were impressed with each dish we made — and we cleaned out the freezer, using the last of our red sauce and yellow sauce from garden tomatoes last summer. You don’t have to take only my word for it, Jovial was awarded the honor of grand prize by Cooking Light magazine in their Gluten-Free Pasta category. 

Capellini with fresh basil, garden red sauce

Penne Rigate with Spinach and Yellow Garden Tomato Sauce

This poor post has been waiting “in queue” since December, you know, when I was eating cookies pretty much everyday for breakfast? I’ve toned down the sugar and replaced it with real food, but these cookies were pretty tasty. And I’m human, I still have sweet treats from time to time — the fig fruit filled cookies were hands down our top choice.

Just like Fig Newtons, but gluten-free of course.

Now figs aren’t for everyone, I get that. And don’t you worry — they have other options too. Ones that include chocolate.

(either vanilla or chocolate cream filling — the chocolate/chocolate were a close second to the fig)

So there you have it, another GF staple to add to the pantry.

Jovial will not disappoint.

Have you tried Jovial pasta or cookies yet? What did you think? And is anyone else still using up tomatoes from their freezer? 

Friday Photos

Welcome to Friday Photos, a weekly feature here on Celiac in the City — you can read how it all started by clicking HERE.

This week was a whirlwind… where did the time go?

The plan for the weekend was to jet out to Denver, home of my sweet little Valentine. (D-town is kind of a regular on CITC, in case you missed it you can read about gluten-free in Denver here or here.)

But plans changed and it left my weekend pretty wide open, so I’m going to finish up week 6 of the Couch to 5k, run around doing errands for my celiac sister’s shower (all GF of course) next weekend, and head out to the farm tonight for a Pinterest party — just me, Molly and Q. (who has also become a regular around here.)

But before I get moving — here is the week in review.

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The mystery of the afternoon snack was finally solved over on Facebook.

Kohlrabi — sprinkled with a little Penzeys seasonings.

 

Still on a tea kick.

SPORTea — served at The Grind at UWM, Alterra, or on-the-cheap at home.

 

More recipe testing for Carrie’s (Ginger Lemon Girl) new slow cooker cookbook. (seriously… pre-order it)

Almond & Dried Cherry Granola alongside her Chunky Applesauce

 

Because of leftovers – like tasty enchiladas from Cocina DeLeon – and my trip to the market for soup, we did more warming up than actual cooking this week, which was a good thing since our week was loaded with hair cuts, dentist appointments, test driving cars and one sick husband. But I still make time for a good breakfast, no matter what.

Fried egg sandwich loaded up with spinach, on Ancient Grain from Molly’s Gluten-Free Bakery

 

Brown rice cakes are sometimes my vehicle for spreads I love. (like hummus, peanut butter or tuna)

Farm fresh hard boiled egg w/ roasted red pepper hummus rice cake

 

And sometimes there is dinner at my desk — working until 9:30 one night a week makes for some serious planning to have a hearty lunch and dinner packed.

Zesty Corn Tortilla w/ chiles, cilantro and lime from Wisconsin Soup Company

 

There you have it — my week. What about yours… any new recipes you tried this week that we should know about? Tell us about it! (after seeing 53 comments over on the FB discussion about kohlrabi — and a great little discussion going on this morning about eating paleo — I’m digging the comments and hoping to see more here on the blog!)

Happy day!

 

Friday Photos: live from Denver

 

Welcome to Friday Photos, a weekly feature here on Celiac in the City — you can read how it all started by clicking HERE.

 

 

As I type this, I’m sitting outside on the deck. The sun warming my face. No coat or umbrella needed. (the rain, wind, and cool temps of Milwaukee were a harsh send off) But Denver welcomed me with sunny skies and temps in the 70’s.

My belly is full from this simple yet satisfying breakfast.

I was a guest at a home I have never eaten at before — that can always be a little scary, but it was just fine. My hosts for brunch have a sister and niece who have Celiac Disease, so they understood my needs. I skipped the banana bread, but other than that, I didn’t go without.

I get spoiled when I come out to Denver. Both of my dear friends who I spend time with while I’m here get the gluten-free thing. And they do so without making a huge deal out of it.

Like when I arrived last night, a counter of snacks greeted me: Crispin cider, Sabra hummus, both Crunchmaster and Back to Nature crackers, cheese, fruit and Riceworks chips. We settled on the cheese, cracker, hummus combo. (loving these crackers, with both did, similar to Crunchmaster crackers)

And I have no doubt, when I arrive at my next destination today, there will be a New Planet beer waiting.

The folks at New Planet sent me some samples to try a while back, and it is by far my top choice for gluten-free beer. My fingers and toes are crossed that they start distributing in Wisconsin in the very near future. In the mean time, how many beers do you think would keep me under the 50lb limit for one piece of luggage?

In other news, did you know that the butter popcorn from the Boy Scouts is gluten-free? It says so right on the package. (check out their website for more detailed allergy info regarding their other products)

Did you head over to Writing Up an Appetite this week for my guest post? If you didn’t, you missed one heck of a pumpkin cookie recipe. There’s still time…. head over there now. Thank me later. (and yes, they are perfectly okay for breakfast. I took a poll on it.)

The weekend has only just begun here in this gold-star-GF-city  — who knows what else I might find this weekend! I’ll be sure to fill you in next week. Same time. Same place.

cauliflower is cool.

I may have lost a few of you already. Cauliflower and cool in the same sentence?

I know, I know, you want the good stuff. The monster cookies. The oh-so-good chocolate chip cookie recipe. A slice of crazy cake. Who do I think I am showing up here and talking veggies? On a Tuesday.

I’ll tell you who I am. I’m the girl who ate her way through Denver — gluten-free style this weekend.

It was Duo on Thursday night. Barely touched down and we were off to dinner. And wine. And mojitos.

Friday I had a date with my Valentine at Udi’s Cafe in Stapleton.

She really had nothing to do with me now having to eat vegetables for breakfast, lunch and dinner this week. But isn’t that the sweetest face you’ve ever seen?

You should have seen my face when I took my first bite of this Udi’s Club.

And yes, those are sweet potato fries. Once you get a sandwich with bacon, there is no turning back. (for the record — two of my very best friends helped with the fries)

One would think that I might have slowed down by Saturday.

Not a chance.

Family dinner at The Old Spaghetti Factory — Mizithra Cheese & Brown Butter pasta.

And a trip to D-town wouldn’t be complete without a stop at Lala’s. (yes, it’s the Nonna, I’m a creature of habit)

And you thought I didn’t eat any veggies this weekend?

So now you know why I am in need of a little healthier menu this week. And why there was no way I was going to skip the gym tonight. (I’m on Week 8 of the Couch to 5k program, can you believe it? Never made it past Week 2!)

If you are still with me, and didn’t go into a food coma after all these pictures, let’s move on.

Roasted Cauliflower

This one is easy, just chop up your head of cauliflower into wedges. Toss it with olive oil, salt and pepper. Add any other seasonings that make your taste buds happy. I went with Bangkok from Penzey’s. Place foil on sheet pan or baking dish. Cover with foil and roast at 450 degrees for about 10 minutes. (the bottom will get dark, but you’ll thank me once you bite into it) Remove foil, carefully flip the wedges over and bake for another 10 minutes. Boom. Done. Enjoy.

Cauliflower Leek Soup

Another simple recipe. I used about half the head of cauliflower for the roasting, and the other half for this soup. Saute 3-4  chopped leeks and two cloves of garlic in  a couple of tablespoons of olive oil. Season with salt and pepper.  Not so much an exact science here, I was just throwing things together and it worked out wonderfully.

Add four cups of chicken stock and your chopped up cauliflower. (it can be half a head, a whole head, potatoes, whatever you’d like) Bring to a boil and simmer until cauliflower is tender. Using an immersion blender, puree soup to nice, smooth consistency. You may have to reduce it down, if you want a thicker soup. (or you could use some cornstarch or rice flour to thicken) Topped mine with some more Bangkok seasoning.

Some for now, and some for later. Perfect kind of soup to freeze. I try to keep a few options in the freezer for the mornings when I’m too lazy to make my lunch. Or comb my hair.

Any other cauliflower fans in the crowd?

Anyone?