Mashed Fauxtatoes

In the mood for mashed potatoes? This cauliflower recipe will definitely do the trick.

1 head of cauliflower

1/2 stick butter

5 oz romano, parmesan, or manchego cheese (or something like them)

1. Steam cauliflower

2. Add cauliflower, butter and cheese to blender.

3. Blend until smooth.

I made this last night for a small dinner party. I think they went over pretty well. That and the beef tenderloin with a port wine reduction. Mmmmm...

Shrimp Alfredo

We went all out on our dairy night last night. We've decided to have a dairy night once a week or so because sometimes, you just can't help it. :)

Rory and I watched Julie and Julia over the last few days and I couldn't help but be inspired by Julia Child and her love of french cooking, and more specifically, butter and cream. Mmmmm... While this is not french, it certainly doesn't disappoint.

Shrimp Alfredo

20 large shrimp, peeled and cooked

2 cups light cream

3/4 c sliced mushrooms

3 tbsp minced garlic

8 oz shredded parmesan cheese

butter

4 large zucchini

1. In a large skillet over medium-low heat, saute mushrooms in a some butter. Don't crowd the pan... let the mushrooms get a little brown.

2. Remove mushrooms from pan. Turn heat to low. Add garlic and 1 tbsp butter. Let garlic cook for 1-2 minutes.

3. Pour in cream. Allow to warm.

4. In three batches, add the cheese to the cream. Stir frequently.

5. Meanwhile, in a second skillet, saute the zucchini noodles**.

6. Once cheese has melted into cream, add shrimp and mushrooms.

7. Toss noodles into sauce and serve.

** Zucchini noodles are made by peeling a zucchini with a julienne peeler until you can't peel it anymore (ie-you get to the seeded part). I find it best to peel the green part and cook that first since it takes longer for it get soft.

Strawberry Muffins!

It is strawberry season in North Carolina and this has to be one of my favorite times of the year. I went strawberry picking with a friend of mine yesterday. There's nothing quite like a sunny day, ripe strawberries, and 2 babies trying to eat strawberries. Having Aubrey in her front carrier was an added bonus (yay for 20# front squats!). I whipped up these muffins for breakfast this morning.

Strawberry Muffins

3 eggs

1/4 c grapeseed oil

1/4 c agave nectar

1 tbsp vanilla

2 tbsp vinegar

1/2 tsp sea salt

1 tsp baking soda

2 1/2 c almond flour

2 c diced strawberries

1. In a large bowl whisk eggs.

2. Add oil, agave, vanilla, salt and soda. Whisk well.

3. Add vinegar, mix, and allow to sit for a couple of minutes (this will help activate the baking soda).

4. Stir in almond flour.

5. Fold in strawberries.

6. Place heaping tablespoons into a lined muffin tin.

7. Bake at 350 for 20-25 minutes.

*** Alternate version***

Keep everything the same except use only 3 tbsp agave and add 2 tbsp coconut flour. This makes a denser, less moist muffin.

Cauliflower with Tomatoes and Capers

I love cauliflower. I love the texture it takes on and the myriad of flavors you can use when cooking with it. This side dish is bursting with flavor and is relatively simple to make. It can easily be paired with simple grilled chicken or steak.

1 head cauliflower

1 can diced tomatoes (I'm dying to try this with fresh tomatoes, but I forget to buy them at the store)

1-2 tbsp diced/minced garlic

1/8-1/4 cup capers

pinch of red pepper flakes

1/4 cup balsamic vinegar

1. Break cauliflower into bite sized florets.

2. In a large skillet, heat 2 tbsp oil and cook cauliflower. Be sure to allow cauliflower to brown slightly, it adds such a nice flavor. Cauliflower is ready for next step when it is softened, but still has a tiny crunch to it (think of how al dente pasta is supposed to be...not cooked through yet).

3. Add tomatoes (do not drain), garlic, capers and red pepper flakes.

4. Cover and simmer for 10-15 minutes.

5. Add vinegar. Season with salt and pepper if desired.

Ice Cream and Pickles?!?!?!

Mmmmm.... ice cream and pickles. Yummy.

In reality, I do not want ice cream and pickles but it is the stereotypical thing that pregnant women crave. What does this mean??? The Hanlin clan is about to get a little bigger! Baby H will be arriving in November! We are super excited!!!