National Nutrition Month, Clean Eats Recipe Series | DAY 2 {CAULIFLOWER}

in Mar 5, 2015

I'm so excited to be partnering with Replay Recycled this month to share 12 different foods that are healthy options for infants and toddlers with three simple recipes for each food. On Monday I kicked off the series featuring one of Olivia's favorite foods, AVOCADO, and today I'm sharing all about cauliflower!

I have always loved cauliflower but I think so few people serve it to their kids because they are intimidated by it, whether not knowing how to cook it or being unsure if their child would eat it. Today I'm sharing three simple cauliflower recipes that can be thrown together in a snap and that are sure to be a hit with your little one!


Cauliflower is a member of the cruciferous family of vegetables and one that deserves a regular rotation in your family's diet. It contains an impressive array of nutrients, including vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and other phytochemicals. It has anti-inflammatory properties, is a great source of choline {a B vitamin known for its role in brain development} and helps a body detox. It's also an important source of dietary fiber for healthy digestion. Are you convinced yet that it is a superfood? Give these recipes a try and start benefitting from all cauliflower offers!

MASHED CAULIFLOWER

{A great alternative to mashed potatoes, Olivia loves mashed cauliflower as a simple side dish with her dinners / Because it's so easy to achieve a flavorful and creamy texture, your child won't even realize they're eating vegetables!}
what you'll need:
+ 1-2 cups cauliflower, cut into small florets depending on how many servings you want
+ real butter, coconut oil or olive oil
+ whole milk
+ S&P
+ steam pot / food processor
what you'll do:
+ steam cauliflower in steampot until fork tender, approximately 7-9 minutes
+ in a food processor, puree steamed cauliflower, adding 1-2 TBSP whole milk to create a creamy texture
+ serve as you would mashed potatoes - add S+P and top with butter, coconut oil or olive oil to your child's preference!
PARMESAN ROASTED CAULIFLOWER
{This dish was one I began making for Olivia because I loved it so much. Especially in the colder months, I often roast an entire pan of cauliflower and then as soon as it comes out of the oven, sprinkle parmesan cheese on it. I could seriously eat a bowl of it every day!}
what you'll need:
+ 1-2 cups cauliflower, cut into small florets depending on how many servings you want {Olivia is nearly 2 and is able to eat larger pieces of food but adjust floret size to your child's age/ability}
+ parmesan cheese of choice
+ olive oil
+ S&P
+ oven / shallow roasting pan

what you'll do:
+ preheat oven to 400 degrees and spread florets onto a roasting pan
+ lightly coat with olive oil, S&P
+ bake for 18-22 minutes or until florets are beginning to lightly brown
+ remove from oven and immediately top with parmesan cheese
+ let stand while cheese melts and serve warm
STEAMED CAULIFLOWER WITH COCONUT OIL

{Because all this recipe requires is cauliflower and coconut oil and can be made in under 10 minutes, this is the one I go to most often / You can customize it to your child's preferences, adding whatever seasoning they like or keeping it super basic with a good heaping of rich and healthy coconut oil}
what you'll need:
+ 1-2 cups cauliflower, cut into small florets depending on how many servings you want
+ unrefined coconut oil
+ steam pot
what you'll do:
+ steam cauliflower in steampot until fork tender, approximately 7-9 minutes
+ place in a bowl and mix in coconut oil to achieve desired flavor
+ serve warm
On Friday I'll be featuring another super food with three simple recipes - SWEET POTATO! If you make any of the recipes shared in this series, I'd love to see them! Simply post them on instagram and  use the #BlessedNestReplay #ReplayCleanEats
~ Megan
 

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