Bring Me Your Head On A Platter Cauliflower Recipes

VEGETABLE PLATTER WITH CANNELLINI "HUMMUS"

Steps:

• For hummus:
• Combine first 5 ingredients processor; puree. If necessary, mix in enough water to thin to consistency of thick mayonnaise. Mix in 2 tablespoons minced thyme. Season with salt and pepper. Transfer to bowl. Sprinkle with fresh thyme leaves. (Can be made 1 day ahead. Cover and chill.)
• For vegetables:
• Steam potatoes until just tender, about 25 minutes. Transfer to bowl. Cut off stems of artichokes and rub cut surface with cut side of lemon. Cut artichokes lengthwise into quarters and rub cut surfaces with lemon. Cut out choke and rub with lemon. Bring large pot of salted water to boil. Add 1 remaining lemon half and artichokes. Cover and boil until a leaf pulls off easily, about 35 minutes. Drain and cool.
• Cook broccoli and cauliflower in large saucepan of boiling salted water until just tender, about 5 minutes. Using slotted spoon, transfer to bowl of cold water. Add green beans to same boiling water and cook until just tender, about 4 minutes. Drain. Rinse with cold water to stop cooking. Drain. (Can be prepared 1 day ahead. Wrap vegetables tightly and refrigerate.)
• Arrange all vegetable on large platter. Serve with hummus and pita bread.

CRUDITE PLATTER

Steps:

• Bring a large pot of water to a boil and salt generously. Fill a large bowl with ice water and salt it generously as well Drop the beans into the boiling water and cook, uncovered, until crisp-tender, about 2 minutes. Scoop them out of the water and immediately plunge the beans into the ice water, to stop their cooking and set the color. Cool, remove them from the ice bath, and pat dry. Repeat with the broccoli, cauliflower, or asparagus cooking each until crisp tender. If using sugar snaps or fennel they may be served raw or cooked depending on their flavor or your preference.
• Attractively arrange all the vegetables on a large serving platter and serve with the dip of your choice.
• 1/2 cup roasted red peppers (about 4 ounces)
• 6 sun-dried tomatoes, packed in oil, drained
• 1/4 cup drained or Greek style yogurt, method follows
• 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon honey
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/4 teaspoon minced thyme, optional
• 1/8 to 1/4 teaspoon finely grated orange zest
• Freshly ground black pepper
• Combine all the ingredients in a blender, and process until smooth. Serve now or refrigerate until ready to serve.
• Yield: about 1 1/2 cups
• To make drained yogurt: Place 1/2 cup of plain whole or low-fat milk yogurt in a coffee filter set in a sieve or colander in the sink or over a bowl. Set aside for 1 to 2 hours until thickened. Discard the water whey and use the yogurt as desired.
• 1 clove garlic
• 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 cup fresh basil leaves, washed
• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon water
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
• Chop the garlic with the salt, and then use the flat side of the knife to mash and smear the mixture to a coarse paste.
• In a blender combine the garlic paste, with the remaining ingredients and process until smooth.
• Transfer the sauce to a bowl, cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving so the flavors come together
• Yield about 1 1/2 cups

BRING ME YOUR HEAD ON A PLATTER! CAULIFLOWER

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
• Wash cauliflower and remove core and leaves keeping the head intact.
• Place cauliflower stem side down in a oven/microwavable dish with one cup water and microwave for 10 minutes.
• Meanwhile mix oil, rosemary, salt, pepper and garlic together, pour over head.
• Bake in 350 degree oven for 30 minutes. Baste with the water and dripping from pan. If all evaporated add more.
• Raise to 425 degrees and roast for 30 minutes; or till desired tenderness but keeping the head whole.
• Optional Cheesy Brains:.
• Sprinkle head last 10 minutes with cheese.
• Serve whole with roasted garlic.
• Now lets get into the brains!
• For a great presentation place in a plastic skull head.