Roasted Cauliflower

Source: http://www.food.com/recipe/cauliflower-popcorn-roasted-cauliflower-115153

1 head cauliflower or 1 head equal amount of pre-cut commercially prepped cauliflower
3-4 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 -1 teaspoon salt, to taste

1 Preheat oven to 425 degrees.

2 Trim the head of cauliflower, discarding the core and thick stems; cut florets into pieces about the size of ping-pong balls.

3 In a large bowl, combine the olive oil and salt, whisk, then add the cauliflower pieces and toss thoroughly.

4 Line a baking sheet with parchment for easy cleanup (you can skip that, if you don't have any) then spread the cauliflower pieces on the sheet and roast for 1 hour, turning 3 or 4 times, until most of each piece has turned golden brown.

5 (The browner the cauliflower pieces turn, the more caramelization occurs and the sweeter they'll taste).

6 Serve immediately and enjoy!

Oven-Roasted Asparagus

Source: http://allrecipes.com/recipe/oven-roasted-asparagus/

1 bunch thin asparagus spears, trimmed

3 tablespoons olive oil

1 1/2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese

1 clove garlic, minced 

1 teaspoon sea salt    OR substitute garlic salt for garlic & salt

1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper

1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional, I omitted)

1.  Preheat an oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C).

2.  Place the asparagus into a mixing bowl, and drizzle with the olive oil. Toss to coat the spears, then sprinkle with Parmesan cheese, garlic, salt, and pepper. Arrange the asparagus onto a baking sheet in a single layer.

3.  Bake in the preheated oven until just tender, 12 to 15 minutes depending on thickness. Sprinkle with lemon juice just before serving.

* I didn't measure anything when I made this. I just drizzled the oil on the asparagus in the pan and rolled it around, then sprinkled on Parmesan cheese, garlic salt and pepper.

Smoothies

I typed up some of our favorite smoothies for mom and thought I'd share them here too just in case others would like them.

Green Smoothie

1 1/2 cups almond milk

1/2 cup of coconut water (I never add this.)

2 leaves lacinato (dark greens) kale, spinach, or Swiss Chard, coarsely chopped

1/4 avocado

1/2 cup  mango chunks

Blend until Smooth.

Mango and Coconut Milk Shake

1 cup mango chunks

1/2 cup pinapple chunks

1 1/2 cups coconut milk

1-2 teaspoons brown rice syrup or stevia, to taste

Blend until smooth.

Blueberry, Carob, and Almond Milk Shake

1 cup blueberries

2 teaspoons raw carob powder, cacao powder, or cocoa*

1 1/2 cups almond milk

1 to 2 teaspoons brown rice syrup or stevia, to taste

1/2 cup ice (I've never use this.)

Blend until smooth.

*Cacao powder is the same thing as cocoa powder, but the raw form is usually called cacao.  It is preferable because it's packed with nutrients, including magnesium, and is high in antioxidants.

 

Energy Shake with Almond Butter and Cardamom

1/4 cup almond butter

1 tsp. ground cardamom (good without this too if you don't have it.)

1 1/2 cups purified water

1 cup frozen peaches

1-2 teaspoons brown rice syrup or stevia, to taste

Blend until smooth