In my collection of side dishes I have several favorites that feature cauliflower. There isn't one as easy as this one and since it features frozen cauliflower, an economical one too.
Fresh cauliflower has been going for $4.99 a head in our small town grocery store and the frozen is $1.79 a 1 pound bag -- a much better value to my way of thinking. Another advantage is this recipe will utilize your microwave -- on Thanksgiving my oven and stove top are pretty well maxed out. Double, triple or quadruple this if you are feeding a crowd!
2-4 cloves garlic, depending on how garlicky you like
1/2 cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese
2 Tbsp butter
2 Tbsp cream cheese
salt & pepper to taste
In a microwave safe bowl, add frozen cauliflower and garlic cloves. Cover with plastic wrap and microwave on high for 5 minutes. Carefully pull back plastic wrap and check for doneness. If needed, continue to microwave in 3 minute increments until very tender. Drain any liquid. Add cheeses, butter and salt and pepper to taste. Mash with a masher (or immersion blender if you prefer it very smooth -- we like a little lumpiness) -- should be the consistency of mashed potatoes.-- yum! Serves 4 - each serving 161 calories, 6.5g carbs, 2.6g fiber = 3.9g net carbs.
