[recipe] Adventures in Cauliflower Baking

Man, this stuff is amazing!  Cauliflower is a wonderful filler and substitute for flour, potato, and even cream.  The first thing I ever did with cauliflower was to boil it in broth and blend it, making a perfect chicken "cream" soup (the same is good if you use stuff like carrots or zucchini instead).

Today I tried two new recipes:  "pizza" and "brownies".

The pizza was pretty simple.  First you need to "rice" a cup of cauliflower, which means you chop, grate or process the cauliflower into a mince, and stick it in a pan until it cooks through.  About ten minutes.  I did this along with a tbsp of minced garlic and a bit of italian seasonings.  Then you mix it with a cup of grated mozzarella cheese and and egg, spread it on a cookie sheet, and bake at 450F for 15 minutes.  A dry, orange sharp cheddar gives the crunchiest results.

The sauce was even simpler.  I took a small can of V8 and simmered it with some red pepper flakes and black pepper, and then incorporated twice as much grated cheese until well disolved.  Spread this on the crunchy crust, top as desired, and broil for a couple of minutes right under the heat source.

Eat your little heart out!

It really tastes like pizza.  The texture, though, is a bit off.  You don't have the bread or gluten to chew through, but it tastes so good that it doesn't really matter. 

As for the brownies, I love I Breathe... I'm Hungry.  In this installment, she blends a cup of cauliflower pure with a cup of almond flour (we halved it with blended pecans because we ran out), half a cup of coconut flour, half of cacao powder, a cup of almond milk, three eggs, two oz of cream cheese, a stick of butter, two squared of bakers chocolate, and a half tsp of baking powder (with splenda and extracts to taste).  Melt stuff, blend stuff, and mix stuff together, then stick in a 9x9 buttered pan and bake for 35 minutes at 375F.  We wedged some SF chocolate chips and SF peanut butter cups in between

The texture is a bit powderier than your average brownie, but they are still absolutely amazing!  Now, I skipped the syrup and used bakers chocolate instead of Lindt 90%, both of which are not sweetened.  Make sure you compensate the splenda as necessary.  Another cool thing would have been if I used chopped pecans instead of powdered, but I really like my nuts.

Now, these two recipes are probably keto, if not very close to it.  They might be a tad high on the net carbs, but you can always sub in a bit more protein where need be.

I need to stop devouring food before getting pictures of everything.

PS:  These Primal Chocolate Chip Cookies are DA BOMB!  I'm just too lazy to give them their own entry because they didn't even make it through the afternoon.  Almond meal, egg, shortening, baking soda, sweetener, vanilla and chips.

[recipe] Not-Enough-Meat Meatloaf Cupcakes

One might think that meat is a critical part of meatloaf.  One might also think you only need one pound of ground beef for a one pound loaf pan.  Welp, this one was wrong.

I was so excited today when I went to the butchers and got ALL OF THE MEATS, that I didn't notice that one pound of ground beef is only about the size of two small apples.  The pan is about four times that size...  Well, cupcakes are small!  I can use a cupcake pan and stop filling it when I run out of meat!

You can use a lot of things as fillers in meatloaf.  I almost ran out of cupcake pan.  This is what I added, approximately and in this order.

0)  Preheat oven at 400 F.

1)  Hard boil three eggs; peel and quarter.

2)  Fry up a sliced onion with red pepper flakes, a tbsp of minced garlic, Worcestershire, Maggie and soy sauces.

3)  Line cupcake tin with a slice of thick cut bacon in each cup; bake for 10 minutes or so. Crispier is better, but make sure they don't collapse in on themselves.

4)  Toss onions in mixer with the pound of meat (half chuck, half baconburger) and start mixing in crap, like 1/4 lb sliced onion cheese in pieces, 1/4c hemp seeds, 1/2c almond meal, 1/4c wheat bran, 1/4c flax seeds, and about a tbsp of sundried tomatoes in oil I had left.

5)  Once the meat is all mixed and seasonings are adjusted, pull the bacon cups out of the oven and place tray on a trivet.  Using two spoons, put about a tbsp of meat inside each bacon-wrapped cup, add 1/4 hard egg, and fill to the top with the rest of the meat.

6)  Bake for 25 minutes, or until desired cookedness.

7)  Let cool on trivet.

8)  Omnomnom!

They came out very nice and moist, but the texture was a bit creamier than your standard loaf.  Once they were baking, I thought of other things I could have added that I have used successfully in meatballs, like rice (quinoa would also work), chipotle, green olives, chicken shreds, cream cheese, cocktail onions, panko or toast crumbs...

[recipe] Vegan Jelly Donut Cupcakes

One of the wonderful things about roller derby is that we constantly have bake sales, so I get to try out new recipes and force them on people ^_^  And because I'm sick of every bake sale being your typical box mix, full flour and sugar crap, I'm always the weirdo that makes alternative faire.  This week, vegan cupcakes!

Someone shared this wonderful recipe with me from Alicia Silverstone's blog "The Kind Life".  Now, I am violently opposed to PETA and its practices, and was really heartbroken when she decided to be a spokes person for them, but I will give her credit for living consistently and true to her values.

So.  Vegan Jelly Donut Cupcakes.  I could not stop eating the batter!  I mixed up two batches, adding 1/2 C cocoa powder to the second one.  I don't know if this is what made them fluff up so much, or that since I mixed them up second, the vinegar and baking soda hadn't gone flat by the time I stuck them in the oven.  Or it could also be that I used coconut oil in the vanilla batch and crisco in the chocolate...

DRY INGREDIENTS:  Sift together in mixer bowl

1 1/2 C of flour

3/4 tsp. of baking powder

1/2 tsp. of baking soda

1/2 tsp. of salt

1/2 C cocoa powder (optional)

WET INGREDIENTS:  Mix in measuring cup

1 C of soymilk (I used almond milk)

1 tsp. of apple cider vinegar

2 tbsp. of cornstarch

3/4 C of plus 2 tbsp sugar (light brown is nice)

2 tsp. of vanilla

1/3 C of canola oil (I used coconut oil for one, crisco for the other)

1) Preheat the oven to 350F.  Line cupcake tin with paper liners.

2) Start the mixer with the paddle attachment, slowly pouring in the wet ingredients and oils.

3) Once everything is incorporated, scoop batter into paper cups and add fillings.

4) Bake 21-23 minutes, until toothpick comes out clean.

I got a great 1 tbsp ice cream scoop the other day.  It is wonderful for not spilling the batter EVERYWHERE!  Two scoops per cupcake, and significantly better portioning!

FILLINGS: 1/2 tbsp per cupcake

1) Candied ginger:  Fill liner with batter, press ginger into the center.

2) Cinnamon apples:  Chop up an apple (Granny Smith here) and place in a small pot with a bit of water and a lot of cinnamon.  Heat until the apples start to dry out so they don't make the cupcakes soggy.  Press into the center of the batter.

3) Strawberry:  Pit and chop up strawberries and stew in small pot with a little bit of water until they dry out and have a jam-like consistency.  Spoon into center of battered cups.

4) Bananananana:  Slice banana into 1/2" chunks and lightly cook in a dry pan.  Add one scoop of batter to tin, place banana slice in center, add second scoop of batter.  Top with another slice of banana.

5) Peanut butter:  Add one scoop of batter to tin, place small scoop of peanut butter in center, add second scoop of batter.  Top with a couple of peanuts.

6) Cry You American Pansies:  Between the two scoops of batter, add small chunks of Chocolate Abuelita (vegan!) and red pepper flakes.  Top with pepper flakes.

Star Wars Swap Questionnaire

1) Are you willing to ship internationally?
2) Fill in the blank: My heart would go pitter-patter if I received ____.
3) Sith or Jedi?
4) Imperial or Rebel?
5) Who Shot First?
6) Which of the six Star Wars movie is your favourite? Why?
7) Allergies (fibers, animals, food, etc)?
8) Allergens (do you have pets-what kind, do you smoke-in or outside, etc)?
9) Do you knit, crochet or spin?
10) Favourite colours?
11) Least favourite colours?
12) Favourite fibers?
13) Least favourite fibers?
14) Favourite kind of projects to make?
15) Favourite kind of project to receive?
16) Favourite snacks?
17) Favourite beverages?
18) Items/colours you would rather not receive?
19) Have you swapped with anyone in this swap before?
20) Is there anything that you would like your swap partner to know?
21) What # is your post in the Wish List thread? (Don’t forget to update it…)
22) Have you read and agree to abide by our rules? Do you understand that bi-weekly check-ins, thank yous, and delivery confirmation are all mandatory?

23) Who’s your favourite character? Any particular reason why?
24) What’s your favourite planet in the SW universe?
25) What would be your dream Star Wars item to receive in this swap? (i.e. Yoda hat, blaster holster, amigurumi Anakin…)
26) Favorite quote:
27) Are you a die hard Original Trilogy fan, or do you enjoy the Expanded Universe?

28)  What kind/size project bag do you want?
29)  What about cosies? Does your phone need a new sock?
30)  Have you watched the Family Guy versions of Star Wars? Whats your thoughts on them…if you don’t have them on DVD would you like them?
31)  Also…do you play video games? If so what system do you have and would you be interested in the Lego Star War games or any other Star War games?
32)  What about comic books? Yes or no?
33)  What about jewelry..would you be interested in star wars themed bling?
34)  How about nail polish? I just saw some aptly named polish and thought it would fit in nicely!!
35)  What color is your light saber?
36)  What are your thoughts on Bobble Heads or Lego collectibles?
37)  You say you like Star Wars Jewelry, do you have a particular style of Jewelry you prefer or anything you cannot wear?
38)  Sweater?
39)  Measurements
40)  How do you like your knits? Cold or warm weather?
41)  Do you spin? Would you rather receive roving or yarn?
42)  How would you feel about roving/yarn dyed in lightsaber themed bright blue/green?
43)  What weight of yarn do you prefer? Worsted, fingering, lace?
44)  I recently came across a Star Wars Cookbook. Is this something you’d be interested in?
45)  action figures (from the 70's and 80's)

-------


Are you willing to ship internationally? Sorry, I’m about to move and can’t afford the big shipping this time.

Fill in the blank: My heart would go pitter-patter if I received a package that actually followed my wishlist instructions.

Sith or Jedi? Wankers the lot of them.

Imperial or Rebel? Rebel to the core.

Who Shot First? Han. The guy knows better.

Which of the six Star Wars movie is your favourite? Why? Empire Strikes Back. I love the whole Han/Leia/Chewie dynamic. And you have less of the whiny characters.

Allergies (fibers, animals, food, etc)?  I don’t eat any carbs or sugar, I have sensitive skin and don’t use commercial body products (this includes soaps, lotions and chapsticks), and scented things make me sneeze (candles, soaps and perfumes).

Allergens (do you have pets-what kind, do you smoke-in or outside, etc)? I have a Big Double-coated Cat.

Do you knit, crochet or spin? All three, but I’m in more of a knitting/crocheting mood at the moment.

Favourite colours? Anything vivid! I love fiery/autumn colors.

Least favourite colours? Pastels.

Favourite fibers? Anything at least 80% (preferably more) natural.

Least favourite fibers? I hate synthetics. I cannot stress this enough. If there is more than 20% polyester/acrylic/nylon, I will not use it! I can’t stand how it squeaks and splits, and then the final product is scratchy.

Favourite kind of projects to make? I’ll make anything, depending on the recipient. I especially love to make for others things I don’t want for myself but find cool, like amis or decorative things I can’t use.

Favourite kind of project to receive? Wearables. It doesn’t matter what it is, as long as it is useful.

Favourite snacks? Bacon.

Favourite beverages? I’m on a chai kick.

Items/colours you would rather not receive? Strict no-nos are dust catchers, toys, figurines, that knitpicks keychain with a hook to pick up dropped stitches (I’ve gotten three!), soaps, lotions, chapsticks, candles and washcloths. If I can use it for something, it is ok. As far as colors, I’m not that picky.

Have you swapped with anyone in this swap before? Steampunk June 2011 > Caitinc

Hennson April 2011 > Melinda77520
Ocean angel July 2010 > lycanthropica
ladyval75 > Firefly May 2010

Is there anything that you would like your swap partner to know? I am faithful to the original trilogy. I can’t stand the prequels, and I find the Clone Wars to just not cut it. Ok, I can accept that this all happened within the same universe, but it feels more like bad fanfiction than canon.

What # is your post in the Wish List thread? (Don’t forget to update it…) Uuuu… 277!

Have you read and agree to abide by our rules? Do you understand that bi-weekly check-ins, thank yous, and delivery confirmation are all mandatory? Absolutelytuty!


Who’s your favourite character? Any particular reason why? Han. He is gorgeous. Also, I love how he doesn’t take shit, and just gets things done.

What’s your favourite planet in the SW universe? Meh. The swamp in Dagobah was pretty cool.

What would be your dream Star Wars item to receive in this swap? (i.e. Yoda hat, blaster holster, amigurumi Anakin…) Something useful. I am about to move and can’t afford to keep decorative items. Also, Han.

Favorite quote:
I was thinking this before I even read McMurder’s post.
“YOU’RE NOTHING BUT A STUCK UP, HALF WITTED SCRUFFY LOOKING NERFHERDER!”
“Who’s Scruffy looking?”
and
“I love you”
“I know…”

Are you a die hard Original Trilogy fan, or do you enjoy the Expanded Universe? I only acknowledge the original trilogy. I have no patience for the prequels (other than their gorgeous visuals), and I especially have no desire for Clone Wars et al.

What kind/size project bag do you want? I love bags of all sizes, and end up using them as every day purses. Anything from a wallet for notions to a backpack would be lovely ^_^

What about cosies? Does your phone need a new sock?
No thank you.

Have you watched the Family Guy versions of Star Wars? Whats your thoughts on them…if you don’t have them on DVD would you like them?
Seth Macfarlane and I just don't see eye to eye.

Also…do you play video games? If so what system do you have and would you be interested in the Lego Star War games or any other Star War games?
No video games for me. (though my bf has and plays them all)

What about comic books? Yes or no?
Meh? I'm a bit of a purist.

What about jewelry..would you be interested in star wars themed bling?
Ok, this would be awesome.  Just no necklaces.

How about nail polish? I just saw some aptly named polish and thought it would fit in nicely!!Yes, please and thank you ^_^

What color is your light saber?
Screw light sabers. Someone get me a blaster!

What are your thoughts on Bobble Heads or Lego collectibles?I hate them. I've had a very bad experience with a boyfriend that compulsively collects both of them. Especially Star Wars themed.

You say you like Star Wars Jewelry, do you have a particular style of Jewelry you prefer or anything you cannot wear?
I don’t wear necklaces, but I love anything else. I shy away from dainty things, but wouldn’t mind “statement pieces”.

Sweater? I WOULD LOVE YOU SO MUCH!!! Nothing is too nerdy for me to wear, especially when it comes to knit goods!

Measurements I took them last year and they are up on my blog. I have lost some weight since then, so I’ve gone from a unisex M to a busty S, and can now comfortably fit into a teen L, but everything else should be about right. I’m meaning to update my measurements one of these days, but I keep on forgetting.

How do you like your knits? Cold or warm weather? All of the above. I live in PA and wear shawlets most year round, sometimes I’ll wear hats and I absolutely love fingerless mitts/gloves. I have items of all warmths, depending on the climate. Sox, though, need to be on the fresher side, since my feet get easily swamped.

Do you spin? Would you rather receive roving or yarn? I wouldn’t mind either, but I’m going more through a yarn phase.

How would you feel about roving/yarn dyed in lightsaber themed bright blue/green? I love those colors, as long as they aren’t too splotchy or the color changes too drastic. I focus on the stitches more with my knitting than the yarn.

What weight of yarn do you prefer? Worsted, fingering, lace? “I use fingering and lace the most, but will also use worsted on occasion for winter weather knits.” This! I also tend to double up my yarn if I need anything thicker or in between, but most of my yarn is “sock”.

I recently came across a Star Wars Cookbook. Is this something you’d be interested in?
Sweet Han in tight pants yes! I am passionate about cooking.


action figures (from the 70's and 80's)
No thank you. I have no use for collectibles.

Star Wars swap!!!

I am so excited that this swap finally came around! I've been really delinquent with my crafting since I transfered to Harrisburg, but I'm going to work my ass of for this one. I really, really, really hope it isn't a dud. Ceph still hasn't received her Burlesque box, and now that I'm packing everything to move I have found all the crap I'd specifically asked not to get in swaps. Well, hope springs eternal. I will be keeping all the questions and answers in the next post, for my spoiler's convenience. In the meantime:

Winter Madness December 2011 - MediaPeruana
meglw2008 > TARDIS September 2011 > Pinksonia
Big Damn Heroes September 2011 - Aranov
JustAKnitWit > Buffy August 2011 > maureenbr
meredithparker > Steampunk June 2011 > Caitinc

henchwench > Hennson April 2011 > Melinda77520
Sparkleshan > DotD September 2010 > JoanC2
Lalsox > zombie 2010 > therowantree
divamaglia > Buffy August 2010 > Saberpirate

Ocean angel July 2010 > lycanthropica
ladyval75 > Firefly May 2010 > drewbird
heathen13 > DHSAB May 2010 > swamps42
Twilight April 2010 - xmasangel69


Neighbors: cephalogal, isilzha
Friends IRL: nanonukie, snowpony, scarletampersand