Solitutde

Monday, October 5, 2009

Cauliflower!


Yes, that's right... cauliflower. The recipe that follows is not only delicious but pretty healthy. My mother-in-law is a great cook and has passed down many excellent recipes to her son-my husband. The food co-op had a special feature of cauliflower artfully arranged in the produce section today. It was time to make Spaghetti with Cauliflower.
Here is the recipe:

2 heads of cauliflower
1/3 cup olive oil
1 lb. spaghetti
1/2 cup grating cheese (more if desired)
black pepper to taste

Core cauliflower by cutting in to florets . Fill a tall pot 2/3 full with water and bring to a boil. Place the florets in the water and return to a boil. Continue boiling 6-7 minutes until tender (easily pierced with a fork).
In the meantime heat the olive oil in a large frying pan. Remove the florets from the water with a slotted spoon and place in the pan. DO NOT DRAIN THE WATER FROM THE POT.
Place the spaghetti in to the boiling cauliflower water and cook until al dente, 8-10 minutes. Drain spaghetti in colander and reserve 2-3 cups of the boiling water.
Return the florets and the spaghetti to the large pot adding the reserved water. Stir in 1/2 cup of grating cheese and black pepper. Enjoy!


The afternoon promised to be a mix of sun and clouds so it was ideal for a brisk walk along the water. We came upon an intriguing group of stones in all shapes and sizes...mostly huge! We had found The Burlington Earth Clock. Circles for Peace, a non-profit organization, built this project on land provided by the Burlington Parks Department.
It is worth a trip to the site, it promises to be a great teaching tool for all who visit.

The weather continues to play with the inhabitants of the city. On a recent walk to the library the sun was shining. I, however, was not to be fooled. I ventured out with my rain jacket and sunglasses. This might seem like an odd outfit but alas...I used both. The last comment the library clerk said to me as I was leaving was "are you sure you don't want a plastic bag to keep those books dry?" She was correct, off came the sunglasses on went the rain jacket.

Knitting, quilting, baking, hiking, reading, meeting many interesting people...I am doing it all and more and its fascinating!

If you are trying to find what you want to do, what your passion is, don't worry, its there. Perhaps if you don't look too hard it will appear where you least expect it!




11 comments:

  1. Isn't retirement wonderful? Sounds like you found the place that's right f0or you. I'm begining to play with fabric too...wouldn't quite call it quilting yet...but I'm playing with designs...we'll see if anything comes of it. keep the blog going.....Nan

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  2. Thank you Nancy, I'm glad you are enjoying the blog. Fabric...let me know what you decide to do with it.

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  3. Have you ever roasted cauliflower in the oven? Olive oil, s&p, lemon, garlic at 400 degrees until it's brown - delicious!! --Jen

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  4. Thank you Jen, I will certainly try it!

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  5. the recipe sounds totally delicious! i've made a mental note. thank you! x

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  6. Yes I think you will love it. Very healthy and you can always use multi grain or whole wheat spaghetti.

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  7. Oh - Druits in Vermont? Reminds me of the stone alignments in Brittany - http://www.megalithia.com/brittany/carnac/

    Sounds like you are doing well - we miss you.

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  8. Good things come to those who wait.....you sound like you are enjoying yourself!
    I am so happy for you and John; however,I do miss crossing paths with you in RVC!
    Enjoy Columbus Day Weekend!

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  9. Thanks Judy and Kristen,
    Druids and other creatures I'm sure! Its a fascinating site to see, this earth clock. I will visit that site. Have a great weekend and enjoy the 3 days off!

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  10. Hi Joanne,
    Finally got to link in with you. Just bought a huge cauliflower at the Farmer's Market. I usually steam it and then make "moc mashed potatoes".
    Would love to hear more about how you're doing with launching your Reiki practice, so email when you have a chance.
    Best,
    Donna

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  11. Thank you Donna,
    We like the cauliflower that way too! I haven't forgotten about my Reiki practice I will email you some thoughts over the weekend.

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