CAULIFLOWER SMASHERS
Now that Halloween is over and all the candy is eaten, the grocery and department stores are already filling themselves up with the next holiday temptations.
With all of the goodies to choose from, it's not easy to eat healthy during the holiday season. From the main course to side dishes to dessert, everything is rich, decadent and over-the-top; but with a little planning and forethought, the traditionally fattening foods served during the holiday season can be turned into healthy alternatives.
What's the good news about healthy eating during the holidays? You won't have to miss out on the main attraction: turkey. It's one of the leanest types of meat available. Stick to broiling, stewing or baking and use a cooking rack to further eliminate fat as the bird cooks.
If you're the person in your family who is doing all of the cooking, you have the upper hand. Using low-fat ingredients like egg substitute, applesacue for oil, reduced-fat cheeses and fat-free sour cream will go virtually unnoticed by you and your guests.
If you're the guest, prepare a healthy dish so you and other health-conscious guests will have an alternative if the host's offerings aren't so diet-friendly.
The Caluliflower Smashers recipe from Chef Brian Malarkey is a great alternative to traditional mashed potatoes, which are oftentimes made with lots of butter and heavy cream. Cauliflower Smashers are like a lighter version of mashed potatoes, but still offer that creamy, savory fix that goes perfectly with the holiday turkey. Not only are vegetables naturally low-fat, low-cal and chock-full of nutrients, they help you feel satisfied longer than other types of foods. The fiber will cause your stomach to feel fuller, and you'll have a greater sense of satiety, which will help you stay on track and pass up that slice of pumpkin pie you've been eyeing.
Cauliflower Smashers
Makes 4 Servings
Ingredients:
- 1 head cauliflower, stem removed
- 2 tablespoons butter, softened
- 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 1/2 cup shredded parmesan cheese
- Salt and white pepper, to taste
Bring a medium sauce pan of salted water (make the water taste like the ocean - lots of salt!) to a rolling boil, add the cauliflower and cook until it is very tender. Drain the water and place cauliflower in the bowl of a stand mixer. With the paddle attachment, smash cauliflower at medium speed and slowly add in the butter and drizzle in the olive oil. Add in the cheese and season with salt and pepper. Serve immediately.
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