Cauliflower Challenges

In an effort to use up some cauliflower before our departure in late October, I tried Patricia's Golden Cauliflower and Rice Pilaf on P. 144. She recommends golden rice from Camargue (which I don't have) so I tried a black Venere rice thinking the cauliflower would stand out nicely. I just finished cooking it and so far I think there is a slight bitterness to the spice mix (curry powder, piment d'Esplette, cumin and cardamom)...maybe it is my spices or the rice made it taste funny. The bad news is the cauliflower is mushy...I might have to try this one again with Camargue rice because I'm not charmed by this dish so far.

Cucumber Pickles a la Patricia Wells

I ate a huge breakfast and wanted something light and fresh for lunch so I decided to make Patricia's Cucumber and Dill Salad , on p. 28. It is a very simple salad of cukes, vinegar, sugar and dill. I actually expected to be disappointed because I make lots of quick vegetable pickles like this but with Thai, Chinese and Vietnamese ingredients and they tend to be very spicy and tart.

I sliced the cuke and salted it, then made the dressing (replacing champagne vinegar with homemade basil vinegar). I rinsed and dried the cukes and tossed them in the dressing and chilled it for about 15 minutes.

Wow, this recipe is a little gem...yes, a bit sweeter than what I usally make but very sour/sweet and fresh! Would be a great pickle with corned beef or burgers! It was so good that I ate the whole cucumber (not just one serving which is only 25 calories)....so the whole salad is only 100 calories. It was a delightful Spring-like meal for a pretty day!

Cauliflower to Swoon Over!

Well, I just finished Vegetable Harvest's Cauliflower Puree and it is absolutely fabulous!!!!! In fact, it inspired me to make prime rib tonight, just to serve it. I usually don't like purees cause it is like eating baby food. This recipe is like really buttery mashed potatoes.....so yummy and only 99 cals per 1/4 cup or so.