Cauliflower Soup

This is perfect for winter or anytime.

1 bunch cleaned, finely chopped cauliflower 

1/4 tsp. dried or fresh parsley
1/8 - 1/4 tsp each: salt, pepper
6 c. low sodium chicken broth
4 T. flour
1/2 stick unsalted butter 
1 onion chopped
1/3 c. reduced fat sour cream

Rinse, cut ends and break apart cauliflower florets. 

Peel, rinse, chop onions.

Bring a pan to boil, add cauliflower .

Boil cauliflower in water approx. 2- 5 min., remove pan from heat. 

Drain water from cauliflower, set aside.

Make a roux by melting butter over medium heat.

Add the chopped onion in the melted butter.

Add flour, stir until thickened. 

Add chicken broth 1/2 c. at a time, stirring constantly.  

Finely chop and add cauliflower. 

Add the salt, pepper and parsley, stir.

Cook over medium heat until soup is heated through on medium about 20 - 30 min.

Add sour cream and cook for 5  - 7 min. more or until done.

Makes 4  - 6 servings.

Cafe Cortado

A cortado is equal parts milk to coffee.

This is great for winter mornings or anytime.

2 - 3 c. espresso or strong coffee

1/8 - 1 tsp. sugar (optional)
1/2 - 1 1/2 c. milk

Brew coffee to desired strength according to coffee makers instructions.

Sweeten brewed coffee to taste, if desired. 

In a microwave safe measuring cup, pour milk.

Microwave on high for  30 - 45 seconds.

Make sure the milk doesn't boil over in the microwave. 

Remove milk from microwave and pour over coffee.

Serves 4.

Hot Toddy

Happy National Hot Toddy Day!

This is perfect for winter or anytime.

I've used decaffeinated tea, but you can use regular tea instead.

2  - 3 c. cold water
1 large tea bag
1 - 1 1/2 oz. whiskey

1 tsp. honey

Turn on the kitchen faucet to cold and let run for 30 seconds - 1 minute.

Fill kettle with cold water, place tea kettle and place on stove.

Turn stove burner on to high, bring water to a boil.

When water begins to boil turn off stove, place tea bag in kettle.

Steep tea for a few minutes to desired strength.

In the bottom of a clean coffee mug pour whiskey. Top off whiskey with tea and sweeten with honey to taste, stir with a clean spoon.

Serves 1.

Caprese Salad

This is great as a quick salad or anytime.

I've use balsamic vinegar but if you don't have that you can use red wine vinegar instead.

You can also adjust the amount of oil used.

Enjoy!

2 roma tomatoes sliced

1/4 c. fresh basil

1/8 - 1/4 c. olive oil

1/2 - 1 tsp. balsamic vinegar

1 clove garlic, crushed chopped

1/8 - 1/4 tsp. each: salt & pepper

1 c. mozarella sliced 

Rinse and slice tomatoes, set aside.

Rinse and remove stems from basil, set aside.

Remove mozzarella from package, slice and set aside.

Peel, rinse, crush, chop garlic.

In a clean cup combine: oil, vinegar, salt, pepper, garlic, mix with a clean fork.

Arrange tomato slices, mozzarella slices, basil onto 4 clean plates and drizzle oil mixture over the slices with a clean spoon.

Serves 4.