GREEN CAULIFLOWER PIZZA WITH HEIRLOOM TOMATOES, PROSCIUTTO & PESTO

New work for EIDE's Cerebral Issue ( out now!) and a recipe for decadent green cauliflower pizza!

GREEN CAULIFLOWER PIZZA WITH HEIRLOOM TOMATOES, PROSCIUTTO & PESTO (Gluten-free) SERVES 4-6

CAULIFLOWER "CRUST"

• 2lbs. cauliflower or about 3 cups roughly chopped
• 3/4 cup almond flour
• 1 tablespoons dried thyme
• 3 eggs, beaten
• Sea salt to taste
• Freshly ground pepper

PESTO:

• 3/4 cup pistachios
• 2 garlic cloves, smashed
• 2 cups basil
• 1/3 cup parmesan, grated
• 1 lemon juice + zest
• Olive Oil until desired texture

TOPPINGS:

• 12 oz. heirloom cherry tomatoes, sliced
• 3 garlic cloves garlic, sliced
• 1 large ball mozzarella (about 12oz), sliced
• 3 oz. prosciutto
• 2 cups baby arugula
• Shaved parmesan, for serving

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

In a food processor, pulse cauliflower until pureed the size of rice.  Add to a large mixing bowl.  Use a paper towel to press cauliflower well and remove any moisture.  Then, add almond flour, thyme, sea salt and freshly ground pepper; mix.  Fold in beaten eggs until mixture is well combined. Refrigerate for 20 minutes

While crust is chilling, use the same (cleaned) food processor to make the pesto.  First add pistachios and garlic until fine. Pulse together basil, parmesan, lemon juice and zest until gritty.  Stream in olive oil while blending until pesto reaches desired consistency.  About 1/3-1/2 cup.

Once crust has chilled, add to a parchment-lined (and greased!) baking sheet using your hands to shape. Make sure to form a crust!

Parbake your crust for 25 minutes. Then, remove from oven and begin adding toppings.  First layer sliced garlic along the bottom of the crust.  Then, cover with sliced mozzarella slabs and a thick layer of pistachio pesto.  Top with cherry tomatoes. 

Bake for 7-9 minutes or until cheese has melted completely.  Then, add oven to broil and return pizza to oven for 3-5 minutes or until bubbly and browned.

Remove from heat and allow pizza to cool.  Then, top with prosciutto, baby arugula and shaved parmesan.  

THANKSGIVING RECIPE ROUNDUP

Here is a quick round-up of last minute entrees, sides and desserts to make for this year's Thanksgiving.  Don't fret if you need one more side or a quick dessert, take a look below.  These recipes are all simple, seasonal and veg-friendly options for your table.  

Let me know if you plan to try any and of course,  I hope you all have a happy Thanksgiving!

Thyme, Marjoram & Leek Socca (GF, V)

Wild Mushroom Gravy (GF, V)

Salt-Roasted Seabass with Frisee, Pistachio & Fennel (GF)

Poached Pears with Vanilla Bean, Ginger & Macadamia Maple Cream (GF, V)

Creamy Coconut Pumpkin Soup with Toasted Pepitas and Creme Fraiche

Roasted Root Vegetables with Rosemary, Thyme & Brown Butter (GF)

Red Quinoa Salad with Shaved Fennel, Sweet Peas & Whole-Grain Mustard Dressing (GF, V)

Peach & Blackberry Ramekin Crisps (GF, V)

"RELIEF" Side Dishes

I'm traditional when it comes to certain things on Thanksgiving and mashed potatoes is one of them.  I don't want skin, herbs, or "crushed" potatoes -- just straight-up cream and butter.  Other sides can stand a little mixing up.  Thanksgiving is already a very hearty meal, not every side dish needs a stick of butter and potatoes.  Sometimes you need a "relief" side, ie. a lighter version of a classic Thanksgiving dish.  This side will please your guests and their palates leaving you more (emotional) room for pie and spiked cider.

ROASTED BRUSSELS SPROUTS WITH CREME FRAICHE, LEMON, DILL & CRUSHED PISTACHIOS (Gluten-free, Vegetarian) 

Serves 6

1.7lb. whole brussels, sliced thin

2-3 tablespoons olive oil

2 lemons, juice + zest

1/2 cup pistachios, crushed

3 tablespoons creme fraiche

1 oz. dill, minced

Sea Salt to taste

1. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees.  Rinse, dry and slice brussels very thin (a mandolin would work great).  Add them to a large mixing bowl with olive oil, juice and zest of 1 lemon and sea salt to taste.  

2.  Empty everything onto to a foil-lined baking sheet.  Add half the dill and mix in gently with your hands.  Bake for 30-45 minutes or until brussels are crispy!

3.  Pour your brussels back into a large mixing bowl.  Stir in the creme fraiche, rest of fresh dill and the juice & zest of the other lemon.  Sea salt to taste and serve immediately!  

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PS!  Don't forget to "subscribe by email" on the sidebar (--->). Now, you can get SK posts delivered straight to your inbox.  Have a Happy Thanksgiving!