MASHED CAULIFLOWER

Serves 4

Mashed cauliflower tastes similar to mashed potatoes but with fewer carbs. Top with chopped  herbs like chives, dill or scallions.

1 head cauliflower

3-4 tablespoons vegan butter or butter flavored coconut oil

1 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

Sea salt and ground black pepper to taste

Herbs for topping

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add cauliflower or potatoes and garlic and cook until  very tender, about 10 minutes. Reserve 1/4 cup of the cooking liquid and then drain well and  transfer cauliflower to a food processor. Add oil and reserved water, 1 tablespoon at a time, and  puree until smooth. (Or mash with a potato masher). Season with salt and pepper and serve.

CASHEW CREAM GRAVY

3 cups cashews, milled in blender (or almonds, soaked overnight)

2 cups Cremini and Shiitake mushrooms (sliced or chopped)

2 cups veggie broth

2 tbsp cassava or chickpea flour

3 cloves roasted garlic

1 shallot or 2 Cipollini onions

1 lemon (juiced)

1/2 to 1 cup water

1 tbsp nutritional yeast

1 tbsp sea salt (to taste)

1 tbsp poultry seasoning

Dried or fresh sage

In a medium saucepan, sauté mushrooms with onions, shallot and garlic until softened.  add flour and stir. Pour in broth and seasoning and bring to a simmer. Blend nuts, lemon  and water to make the cashew sauce. Add water until you reach a smooth consistency.  Remove saucepan from heat and add cream sauce, stirring until warmed. This gravy can  be rewarmed without worrying about separation. Sprinkle on some sage. You can also  blend in the blender for a smoother gravy.