Showing posts with label cauliflower. Show all posts
Showing posts with label cauliflower. Show all posts

SANDRA’S EXQUISITE CHEDDAR-CAULIFLOWER SOUP

A very delicious soup that pairs well
with most any side dish...
Servings: (4)
Prep: 5 Mins. |
Cook: 25 Mins.

Posted by Sandra

INGREDIENTS

1 medium cauliflower, cut into florets,  divided
1 large russet potato, peeled, and diced into small ¾” cubes, divided
2 ribs of celery, chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 small onion, chopped
1 bay leaf
3-1/2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, grated; plus 2 tablespoons for garnish
1-1/2 cups half and half (fat-free, if desired)
½ teaspoon worcestershire
¼ teaspoon dry mustard
¼ teaspoon dried thyme leaves
¼ teaspoon ground turmeric
Sea salt, and ground black pepper, to taste

Garnish/Serving
-- 2 tablespoons sharp cheddar cheese, grated
-- 2 tablespoons freshly chopped parsley
--Warm, toasted, and crusty loaf of bread, or BLTs as I did for serving

METHOD

In a small saucepan, steam half of the cauliflower florets, and half the potatoes in lightly salted water, just until tender, about 7 to 10 minutes, drain, and set aside.

Meanwhile, combine the rest of the florets with the potatoes, celery, garlic, onions, bay leaf, and chicken broth in a dutch oven (or heavy-bottom saucepan) to make the thickening base. Bring to boil, and lower heat to a simmer, cover, and cook until all vegetables are very tender, about 20 minutes. Remove and toss bay leaf. Carefully purée the thickening base in a blender, food processor (or in the dutch oven with an immersion blender), and return to the stove. Add the reserved whole steamed florets to the puréed thickening base, along with the cheese, half and half, worcestershire sauce, dry mustard, thyme, turmeric, and sea salt and ground pepper, to taste. Heat gently over low heat (please do not boil). Serve hot soup, topped with a bit of shredded cheddar cheese and freshly chopped parsley, with crusty bread slices along side (or as I have with BLTs). – Enjoy!


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Tip:  This soup is just as tasty using broccoli, versus cauliflower!

SANDRA'S STEAMED BROCCOLI with HOMEMADE CHEDDAR CHEESE SAUCE

When I created this recipe I was jumping for joy,
as it's guaranteed to be perfectly cooked and appropriately sauced
with just the right amount of cheese sauce every time...
Servings: (2)
Prep: 1 Min. |
Steam: 4 Mins.

Posted by Sandra

INGREDIENTS

***Steamed Broccoli
1 bunch of broccoli, cut into florets
pinch of onion powder
pinch of garlic powder
kosher salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste

***Cheese Sauce
1 tablespoon butter
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
3/4 cup milk
1/3 cup grated sharp cheddar cheese

METHOD

Place broccoli florets in a heatproof and microwave safe bowl, along with 2 tablespoons of water. Lightly sprinkle with onion powder, garlic powder, and salt and pepper to taste. Cover with two damp paper towels folded in half, and microwave for 3 minutes on high. Give the broccoli florets a toss, and then microwave for 1 more minute on high, or until your desired crisp-tenderness (I prefer mine with a bit of tooth to it ;)...

Meanwhile, place a small saucepan over medium heat and melt the butter. Whisk in the flour and continue cooking and whisking for 1 minute to cook out the flour flavor out (do not let roux brown). Continually whisk in the milk into mixture just until the sauce thickens. Remove from heat and using a spoon, stir in the sharp cheddar cheese. Add kosher salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste. At this point, check sauce for your desired consistency, and add more milk to thin, or more cheese to thicken, if needed.

Drain the broccoli of any remaining water, and then drizzle the cheese sauce over the top, and serve your vibrant broccoli topped with cheddar cheese sauce immediately ~ Enjoy!

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Tip:  This recipe is great to use to prepare steamed asparagus and cauliflower as well, and of course topped with the cheddar cheese sauce. Also, for a bit more vibrant color, add a pinch of healthy turmeric to the sauce!

SANDRA'S STAPLE HOMEMADE CHEDDAR CHEESE SAUCE

A simple method to make a
full-bodied cheddar cheese sauce for
an addition to steamed broccoli, cauliflower, asparagus,
and many other side dish or appetizer options...
Yields: (Appx. ¾ cup)
Prep: 5 mins. |
Cook 8 to 10 mins.

Posted by Sandra

INGREDIENTS:

1-1/2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1-1/2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste
3/4 cup milk
1/2 cup sharp cheddar cheese; grated
1/4 teaspoon ground turmeric - optional (Beautifully enhances the ‘yellow’ color without changing flavor; adding a healthy note)

METHOD:

Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and seasonings and let the ‘flour flavor’ cook out for a couple of minutes (do not let mixture brown though); gradually add the milk while whisking constantly, until well blended. Turn off heat, and add cheese and turmeric, whisking until smooth.

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