Like a great pair of skinny jeans…

or a black fitted t-shirt, cauliflower is very versatile!

But you have to know what to do with it…

or you’ll just have a mushy, tasteless mess.
Just boiling or steaming it is pretty boring, and if it’s over cooked it’s downright gross.
But roasted?  Now we’re talking!
For roasting, buy a fresh, whole cauliflower.  Look for one that is nice and firm without too many spots.  I wash and dry it, and cut into florets, and spread on a baking sheet.  Don’t crowd it!  Drizzle with a healthy oil that can withstand the heat…I used the Primal Kitchen Avocado Oil that I am totally in love with and order from Thrive Market. (You can read more about that here: What I’m loving now.)  Then sprinkle with pink Himalayan salt and freshly ground black organic pepper.
I put it in a 400 degree oven for about 30 minutes, but stirred and checked on it about every 10 minutes.  It’s done when you see some light, golden brown on the edges and it is easily pierced with a fork.  Common sense…the smaller the florets, the faster they will cook.

Another great way to enjoy cauliflower is by making cauliflower “rice.”  I know you can do this in a food processor, but I haven’t tried it.  You can buy cauliflower already cut into tiny pieces the size of rice at many grocery stores.  I bought some at Trader Joe’s last weekend.
The directions said to saute in some olive oil.  I used a pretty low heat and cooked until it softened up and looked a little more translucent.  Seasoned with the same salt and pepper. You could add anything else you like adding to rice.  Quick, easy and tasty!
Frozen cauliflower florets come in handy for cauliflower mash.  This is a great, less substitute for mashed potatoes.  Just cook the frozen florets until they are very soft.  Drain, and mash the way you would potatoes.  Add whatever you like…butter, ghee, even olive or avocado oil.  I usually do ghee or avocado oil and some Himalayan salt and ground pepper.  I like them chunky so I use an old school potato masher.
Why am I so excited about cauliflower?  Because it is loaded with vitamin C, vitamin K, beta-carotene and choline.  It also contains sulforaphane which has been shown to kill cancer stem cells and slowing tumor growth.  And tons of anti-oxidants and phytonutrients.
So, can cauliflower help you feel happy, healthy and hot?  Of course it can!  You will be happy eating something so tasty and versatile.  The vitamins and phytonutrients support your overall health.  And by substituting cauliflower for some starchy, heavier foods, your skinny jeans might look even better on you….and that is very hot!
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