Cauliflower Bites

I realize I was just lamenting about the cold, but it really feels like Spring out there lately!  It’s been so sunny and pretty warm for Northern Minnesota!  I keep seeing Easter things everywhere I go.  I ended up giving up shopping for Lent.  I’ve never been a big shopper; I’m very careful with money and am too tired by the end of the day to go to the store. :). So, what I was really trying to address was the random internet searching of things, grabbing extra stuff at Target or somewhere else that I really don’t need, and just thinking about “needing things” that, in reality, I don’t need at all.  I’ve used the time to unsubscribe from a lot of emails.  In the past, I’ve found myself seeing some sort of deal in my email, scrolling through whatever website for any length of time, and then not actually buying anything.  The purchasing has never been as much of a problem as the looking and thinking about purchasing things I don’t need.  I haven’t gone to the store for anything but groceries since the start of Lent and it’s been really nice.  If I think I might want or need something it’s a simple “nope, I don’t.”  I’ve tried to focusing on addressing the mental and emotional side of accumulating stuff.  Such as asking myself, “What are the times when I most want to buy something new?” And, “What am I actually feeling during those moments?” When my house feels chaotic and messy (as often happens with three kids under 5), I find myself thinking what else I could have to organize better, or what toys would occupy the kids better, or what plant or book would make me feel more peaceful.  It’s so easy to numb the heart of these times with superficial things.  What I actually need is to find peace in the crazy, purpose in boring, and fulfillment from what actually matters in life.  We have a few more weeks of Lent, so we’ll see what else I have to learn!

Cauliflower Bites

25 min, serves 6

Ingredients:

1 cauliflower, chopped and blended (leaves about 2 cups)

2 eggs

3 garlic cloves, minced

1/2 t salt

2 T green onion, diced

1/2 c almond flour

Butter or olive oil for frying

Directions:

  1. Chop cauliflower and blend it to an even, somewhat smooth consistency.  I do this by blending the cauliflower chunks in water and straining out the water.
  2. Put the cauliflower in a cheesecloth and wring out the extra water.  You should have about 2 cups of cauliflower to use.
  3. Place cauliflower and the rest of the ingredients in a medium bowl.  Stir together until everything is fully combined.
  4. Heat butter or olive oil in a nonstick skillet.  Shape the cauliflower mixture into small balls and flatten slightly with your hands.  Fry for about 5 minutes on each side, so that both sides are nicely browned.
  5. Serve as an appetizer or side dish with any meal!

One Pan Coconut Chicken & Peppers

I think another round of Whole30 is in the near future for me.  For the past few years we have participated in Lent.  I have grown to love the season of Lent.  It is such a great time to reflect on some areas in life that might need addressing.  It’s a time to pay attention to things we might go to in life for purpose, fulfillment, or even numbing when they can never truly offer us what we need: complete reliance on Jesus.  I often give up something food-related along with whatever else seems needed in that season.  Then the idea is to go to God during those times when I would normally go to food or tv or something else.  I love how revealing this practice can be.  Addictions can sneak into our lives so unnoticed.  If we don’t take the time to pay attention to our vices we could easily go a lifetime not realizing we are not really free.  The season of Lent reminds me that my human tendencies are often not pushing me toward what is right.  If you don’t participate in a faith-based season of Lent, I encourage you to use it as a time to reflect on things you might go to to fulfill needs that can’t actually serve that purpose. 

I love meals that are quick and easy.  This one is so simple, can be made in one pan, and is very versatile.  That’s just how I like it. 

One Pan Coconut Chicken & Peppers

25 min, serves 4

Ingredients:

1 T olive oil

2 c chopped peppers (assorted)

2 chicken breasts

1/4 c chicken stock

1 cup full fat coconut milk

1 14.5 oz can diced tomatoes

1/2 t salt

1/2 t turmeric

1/2 t cumin

salt, to taste

green onion for topping

Directions:

  1. Heat olive oil in medium to large skillet
  2. Add peppers and cook for several minutes until they just start to brown.
  3. Slice the raw chicken breasts and add to the peppers
  4. Stir frequently and cook until you can no longer see pink on the outside of the chicken.  (The inside will still be a little pink if you cut a piece)
  5. Add the chicken stock, coconut milk, tomatoes and spices and stir.  Bring the sauce to a simmer and let it simmer for a few minutes, until the chicken is cooked through.  Add salt as needed.
  6. Sprinkle chopped green onion on top
  7. Serve on cauliflower rice, potatoes, or regular rice