Monday, June 30, 2008

My Version of Mashed Potatoes

Recently I went to a restaurant where I had "smashed cauliflower" instead of mashed potatoes. I decided that would be easy enough to recreate...here is my version.

I began by washing one head of cauliflower and then began to cut it up. Several of the recipes I read said that there you needed to cut it up into one inch chunks. I left several larger pieces so that I could use it at a later time. (I ate lots of raw cauliflower and even steamed some more later on.)

I then filled my steamer with the cauliflower and steamed it until it was just beginning to get tender.

Every recipe I found stressed the importance of making sure that the cauliflower was not only drained but dry. This took quite some time. I not only used the colander, but eventually just patted it dry.

I began my using a fork to mash the cauliflower, but I wasn't thrilled with the results.

I then pulled out my handy dandy Kitchen Aid hand mixer (in my favorite color) and added some margarine (well, Smart Balance with flax seed oil and omega 3 fatty acids) and sour cream (you know the light stuff since I'm still watching that girlish figure). Of course I also added some spices- salt, pepper, Tony Chachere's Creole seasoning, and garlic powder.

Of course by the time that my mixture was cold so I threw it on the stove to heat it back up. I also realized that it was missing something. I adjusted the seasonings, but it wasn't right...I decided to add a couple of tablespoons of ranch dressing.

And since I was trying to convince myself that these were mashed potatoes, I added a little grated cheese.

I must confess it was very yummy and I will definitely do this again!

5 comments:

Anonymous said...

Those look great! Thanks for sharing!

Unknown said...

I've wanted to try this for quite some time...maybe soon. Jane, OF COURSE I remember you...how could I not. I'll definitely tell Mama and Daddy that you said hi. Did you know that they now live in Jackson, TN and Daddy is teaching at Union?

Jane said...

Kelsey- Thanks for stopping by.

Claire- I didn't know that about your dad...how will MC and MHBC survive without those two? I suggest you give this little recipe a try. It was fun and good...my two favorite things in a recipe!

Meems said...

Well, I guess you've figured out by now I'm catching up on some commenting. Not reading... but commenting. (grin)

I really must try this recipe- sounds like a great way to fool the senses.

Since you warned about the drying process I'll try to remember to cook and drain ahead of time to allow time for natural drying. ... that patting dry is way too time consuming for me...

Jane said...

Meems- And here I thought you just weren't reading! ;) I think cooking and draining the cauliflower in advance would definitely be a time saver in the end. I think I am about ready for another go round of this recipe. I might look into a smaller head of cauliflower because it took me a long time to eat the last one!