Smashed Potatoflower...

Everyone loves a good batch of mashed (or smashed) potatoes. The problem is, they can be ridiculously high in calories. A good alternative - with a similar texture? Cauliflower.

Cauliflower is very low in calories. 1 cup is about 25 calories. I buy frozen for two reasons: 1) it's cheaper and 2) it's easier to cook with (read: cut).

You can use all cauliflower or half and half or whatever ratio you prefer for this recipe.

Smashed Potatoflower

1 bag of frozen cauliflower (or about 5 cups)
1 medium sized potato (white or red - about 6 ounces)
1 ounce shredded or block pepper jack cheese
1/2 fresh red pepper
1 small green pepper (about 2 inches in length) (I used a Cubanelle from my garden)

Now this is super easy...

Put cauliflower and diced potato (with or without skin) in medium sauce pan or small Dutch oven with 2 cups of water. Bring to a boil and let simmer covered about 8 minutes or until potato is fork tender. Drain water and turn off heat. Smash with potato smasher or fork. For more of a puree or smoother mash blend with beaters or food processor. Add in small diced peppers and cheese, recover for 3 minutes so steam will cook the peppers.

The whole batch: 415 calories - makes about 4 cups.