Roasting is an amazing way to transform vegetables. I could never be convinced to eat cauliflower as a kid (it just looked like sad, albino broccoli), but slowly roasting cauliflower turns it into something marvelously delicious. Now, I can't get enough!
Roasted Cauliflower
1 head of cauliflower
1 Tbs olive oil
pinch of salt and pepper
1/4 c grated Parmesan cheese
Preheat oven to 375. Cut cauliflower into florettes. Place cauliflower in a shallow-lipped baking sheet (I find it helpful to line the pan with aluminum foil for easy clean up). Toss the cauliflower with the olive oil and the salt and pepper. Roast for approximately 20 minutes, or until the cauliflower begins to brown. Remove from oven and add Parm while the cauliflower is still hot. Gently toss to combine. Add additional salt and pepper to taste.
Applesauce is one of my favorite ways to celebrate the fall - especially after a productive trip to the you-pick apple orchard. This works with just about any variety - a sweeter apple yields a sweeter sauce. Mix types of apple for a nice blend of slightly different flavors and consistencies.
Homemade Applesauce
8 apples (any variety), peeled, cored and sliced into small pieces
1/4 c water
1/2 tsp lemon juice
Combine all ingredients in a large sauce pan. Cook over med-low heat, covered, for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. There should be a small amount of water on the bottom of the pot, simmering. If needed, add more water - a Tbs at a time to keep apples from getting too hot. When apples are tender and begin breaking down, remove from heat. Use immersion blender to puree to desired consistency or allow to cool completely and blend in a food processor. Sprinkle with cinnamon if desired.
Today was the last day of our local farmers market. It's always a bittersweet day, the last day we get to enjoy the 3 block stroll to the market on Saturday mornings, exploring and collecting the best gems and jewels of the locally produced in season foods. It's also a mark of the beginning of the holiday season, and the chance to embrace the change in the seasons. Though we collected a great deal of goodies, these petite, golden carrots caught my eye. Wanting to use them to their full potential, I kept them whole and cooked them up quickly on the stove top with a sweet, tangy and savory glaze. 
Glazed Carrots
adapted from the Healthy Hedonist by Myra Kornfeld
1 small bunch petite carrots, trimmed and peeled
1 tsp olive oil
1 tsp balsamic vinegar1 tsp maple syrup
1 tsp mirinpinch of salt
pinch of freshly ground pepper
pinch of coriander, groundPlace all ingredients in small saute pan over med-low heat. Cover and cook for about 8 minutes, or until carrots begin to become tender. Uncover and cook an additional 4 minutes, until carrots begin to caramelize slightly. Remove from heat and enjoy!
Roasting is an amazing way to transform vegetables. I could never be convinced to eat cauliflower as a kid (it just looked like sad, albino broccoli), but slowly roasting cauliflower turns it into something marvelously delicious. Now, I can't get enough!
