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	<title>The First Mess &#187; cauliflower</title>
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		<title>roasted cauliflower + onion soup</title>
		<link>http://www.thefirstmess.com/2013/02/20/vegan-roasted-cauliflower-soup-recip/</link>
		<comments>http://www.thefirstmess.com/2013/02/20/vegan-roasted-cauliflower-soup-recip/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 20 Feb 2013 07:00:25 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Laura Wright</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[appetizer]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[autumn]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[gluten free]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[main course]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[quick]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[soup]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[sugar free]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[vegan]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[winter]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[cauliflower]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[citrus]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[herbs]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[lemon]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[onions]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[potatoes]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[rosemary]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.thefirstmess.com/?p=3043</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[This recipe is easy in many ways. There are 5 affordable, seasonal and accessible main ingredients. It&#8217;s just a roast + blend kind of affair, so there&#8217;s minimal hands-on time. A bowl is so warm and filling on its own, while the flavour and heft is kind of easy to appreciate as well. There are [...]]]></description>
				<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-3058" alt="" src="http://www.thefirstmess.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/soupFINAL4.jpg" width="876" height="1314" /><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-3059" alt="" src="http://www.thefirstmess.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/soupFINAL1.jpg" width="876" height="1314" /><br />
This recipe is easy in many ways. There are 5 affordable, seasonal and accessible main ingredients. It&#8217;s just a roast + blend kind of affair, so there&#8217;s minimal hands-on time. A bowl is so warm and filling on its own, while the flavour and heft is kind of easy to appreciate as well. There are obvious creamy and nutty qualities, but just the right high note of acidity from a squeeze of lemon waves hello when needed. The rosemary is strong (she does love to be a star), but contends aptly with the musky cauliflower and sweet onions. Potatoes combine with the high water content of the crucifer to make a <em>sincerely</em> creamy purée. This is a recipe I count on in the closing phase of Winter, the most trying phase I feel. There is much to anticipate; the seedlings and building projects of warmer days, but for now there are cellar vegetables and hot ovens to stay loyal to.</p>
<p>In the past couple weeks I&#8217;ve made not one, but two things that were complete and utter failures. I am certainly capable of making a lot of delicious things, but I won&#8217;t have you believing that everything my hand touches turns to gold on the first try. I have a lot of working experience and knowledge when approaching food, but a little exercise in humility never hurt anyone. The first error was a batch of gluten free and vegan cinnamon buns that was so improbably vile. My expectation was high (as it often is with cinnamon swirly things), so the sting was bitter sharp on that one. The second mishap was a flax granola that was, as I suspected it would be, much too flax-y for my liking. One taste of each elicited a highly dramatic and exasperated &#8220;I CAN&#8217;T EVEN&#8221; kind of dismissive hand wave and head shake to any inquirers. Those things simply weren&#8217;t meant to be in my world right now. Some day they will come (but not actually on that flax granola tip). Tenured Chefs get it wrong sometimes and the thought of this provides comfort, a laugh and the motivation to move on.</p>
<p>So I moved on to something I knew front to back and all through the dreamy middle. I used to cook at a little café and when I made it up, this soup was always received with a certain surprised approval. Cauliflower, potatoes, and onions on that soup of the day sign&#8230; sort of peasant-sounding fare on the surface (there is a charm to that for some). The rosemary fragrance and deep-warming nature of it brought people around I think. I go kind of wild with toppin&#8217;s on this (like everything I eat), but the soup is lovely in its simplest form with a little black pepper sprinkle.</p>
<p>Hope you&#8217;re all having some cozy and easy days by the oven or wherever you like to be. I had a brief glimpse of sunbeams and chirping birds on an outing today, so I know that the world is at work on something wonderful for us all over again in the coming months. Be warm in the meantime :)</p>
<p><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-3060" alt="" src="http://www.thefirstmess.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/soupFINAL2.jpg" width="876" height="1314" /><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-3061" alt="" src="http://www.thefirstmess.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/soupFINAL6.jpg" width="876" height="651" /><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-3063" alt="" src="http://www.thefirstmess.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/soupFINAL5.jpg" width="876" height="654" /> <img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-3064" alt="" src="http://www.thefirstmess.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/soupFINAL3.jpg" width="876" height="1314" /></p>
<p><strong>vegan roasted cauliflower soup with roast-y onions + rosemary<br />
serves: </strong>makes a large batch<strong><br />
notes: </strong>I tend to be of the &#8220;More lemon! More brightness!&#8221; mindset, but I&#8217;m telling you: reservation will pay here. You want just a faint brightening instead of an outright lemony-ness. It will bring out the caramelized qualities instead of burying them in acidity. Also, if you aren&#8217;t using homemade stock, most definitely use a no-salt-added variety. I advise on liberally salting the vegetables pre-roasting, so being in control of this factor throughout is ideal.</p>
<p><strong>soup:</strong><br />
1 large head of cauliflower, trimmed<br />
1 lb yukon gold potatoes, scrubbed (I use yukon because of the waxy/creamy quality)<br />
2 cooking onions, papery skin removed<br />
1 sprig of fresh rosemary (mine was particularly lush, so perhaps 2 normal sprigs is advisable)<br />
2 tbsp oil<br />
salt and pepper<br />
juice of 1/3 of a lemon (like 2 teaspoons)<br />
5-6 cups vegetable stock</p>
<p><strong>optional toppin&#8217;s:<br />
</strong>some kind of flavourful oil (truffle, extra virgin olive, walnut etc)<br />
croutons<br />
toasted + chopped nuts<br />
chopped leafy herbs<br />
balsamic reduction<br />
squeezes of lemon<br />
sriracha<br />
flaky sea salt or fresh pepper</p>
<p>Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.</p>
<p>Remove the core from the cauliflower and chop it into rough florets. Place the florets into a 9 x 13 glass baking dish.</p>
<p>Chop the potatoes into pieces about half the size of the cauliflower florets and toss them into the baking dish as well.</p>
<p>Chop the onions into rough 1-2 inch pieces and toss them into the dish. It doesn&#8217;t matter if the layers stick to each other.</p>
<p>Remove the leaves from the rosemary sprig and chop/mince them up. Sprinkle the rosemary over the vegetables in the dish. Liberally salt the vegetables and season with pepper to taste. Add the oil and toss the vegetables until evenly coated with the oil, herb and seasoning.</p>
<p>Roast vegetables for about an hour, flipping and tossing them here and there with a metal spatula/spoon to promote even browning. When done, remove from the oven and squeeze the 1/3 lemon over the hot vegetables (I just drop the lemon into the warm pan when I&#8217;m done so that it can release some oil too). Using your metal spatula, toss the vegetables with the lemon juice, scraping the browned bits off the bottom.</p>
<p>Once the vegetables are cool enough for you to handle, start blending them in batches with the stock. Purée until smooth and pour into a big soup pot. Continue blending in batches until you&#8217;ve used up everything. Heat the large soup pot full of purée over medium heat until it boils. Add more stock or water to thin the soup out if necessary and adjust seasoning to taste. Serve hot with optional garnishes.</p>
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		<slash:comments>33</slash:comments>
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		<title>lemon rosemary vegetable stack with lentils + creamy horseradish vinaigrette</title>
		<link>http://www.thefirstmess.com/2013/02/13/lemon-rosemary-vegetable-stack-with-lentils-creamy-horseradish-vinaigrette/</link>
		<comments>http://www.thefirstmess.com/2013/02/13/lemon-rosemary-vegetable-stack-with-lentils-creamy-horseradish-vinaigrette/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 13 Feb 2013 08:15:15 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Laura Wright</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[autumn]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[gluten free]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[main course]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[vegan]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[winter]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[beets]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[cauliflower]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[celery root]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[citrus]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[herbs]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[horseradish]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[lemon]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[lentils]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[maple syrup]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[mustard]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[olive oil]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[rosemary]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[shallots]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[sweet potatoes]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.thefirstmess.com/?p=2985</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[&#8220;Just go with it!&#8221; has never been an expression that I&#8217;ve enjoyed hearing. It&#8217;s most definitely in my top 10-phrases-I-don&#8217;t-wanna-be-told-right-now list. I had a very specific plan for this pre-Valentine&#8217;s day post. The recipe was going to be delicious + wholesome (duh), but also adorably quaint in a not-too-try-hard sort of way. I ordered a [...]]]></description>
				<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><strong><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-2995" alt="" src="http://www.thefirstmess.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/VEGSTACK_FINAL.jpg" width="876" height="1314" /><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-2996" alt="" src="http://www.thefirstmess.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/VEGSTACK_FINAL6.jpg" width="876" height="1314" /><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-2998" alt="" src="http://www.thefirstmess.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/VEGSTACK_FINAL9.jpg" width="876" height="584" /><br />
</strong>&#8220;Just go with it!&#8221; has never been an expression that I&#8217;ve enjoyed hearing. It&#8217;s most definitely in my top 10-phrases-I-don&#8217;t-wanna-be-told-right-now list. I had a very specific plan for this pre-Valentine&#8217;s day post. The recipe was going to be delicious + wholesome (duh), but also adorably quaint in a not-too-try-hard sort of way. I ordered a crucial ingredient from Amazon. To avoid shipping costs I had the item sent to my man&#8217;s American postal box just a short drive away. Then there was a snow storm, which I&#8217;m sure a lot of you became very familiar with. I couldn&#8217;t get to <em>there</em>, that place with the thing that I <em>needed</em> (actually!). I had to toss my 110% laid out plan and&#8230; go with it. Bleh.</p>
<p>I had the loose idea for this winter vegetable stack thingy in my mind, so I went to work on it instead. And by &#8220;went to work on it&#8221; I mean: I raged. Like hard. I still hadn&#8217;t accepted that my tiny plans for my tiny website on the huge internet on this gigantic earth had gone awry. I slapped it all together, made a huge mess, enjoyed eating it in a hurried way, but then started wondering if this was the kind of thing that only I could enjoy (just adding to my ridiculous rage-pile, you know). Sometimes when Mark and I are thinking about going out to eat somewhere and he asks me what I feel like, I put my hands up and huff out &#8220;I just want a plate of vegetables!&#8221; (likely cranky from way too much sugar at that point). He&#8217;s usually good at sorting a tangible plan out of my ambiguous wishes for fibre and vitamins, making me realize that I&#8217;m being a huge pain, and eventually forging a way ahead. It takes two to make the meal-time satiation thing go right sometimes.</p>
<p>So if you&#8217;re like me and you enjoy just a bunch of vegetables for dinner/any meal, this could definitely be your thing. It&#8217;s pretty easy in a make-ahead sense too. Roast the veggie slices, make the lentils, blend the dressing, keep everything warm until you&#8217;re ready to serve, build, drizzle, garnish, voila! Fancy healthy-happy dinner time for you and the total babe in your life. To go along with your amorous or perhaps self-love motivated cooking adventures (the second one is more important), my friend <a href="http://michelleintheworld.tumblr.com/" target="_blank">Michelle</a> made TWO music mixes for you to enjoy, one highlighting the glow-y, lightbulb-level-warm heart fullness of love, the other speaking more to some straight-up heartbreak. Click the picture at the bottom of the post for the two separate downloads!</p>
<p>All my kisses, hugs, songs + plates of vegetables,<br />
Laura</p>
<p><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-2997" alt="" src="http://www.thefirstmess.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/VEGSTACK_FINAL3.jpg" width="876" height="584" /><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-3002" alt="" src="http://www.thefirstmess.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/VEGSTACK_FINAL10.jpg" width="876" height="654" /><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-2999" alt="" src="http://www.thefirstmess.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/VEGSTACK_FINAL4.jpg" width="876" height="584" /> <img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-3001" alt="" src="http://www.thefirstmess.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/VEGSTACK_FINAL11.jpg" width="876" height="1169" /></p>
<p><strong>lemon rosemary winter vegetable stacks w/ lentils + creamy horseradish vinaigrette</strong><br />
<strong>serves:</strong> 2<br />
<strong>notes:</strong> Do remember to cover the beets for two thirds of the cooking process. I&#8217;ve had beets shrivel up so horribly because I forgot to cover them while roasting. You can also make all of these components ahead of time and just re-warm them for serving, making meal time a little quicker and less harried.</p>
<p><strong>vegetables:<br />
</strong>2 sprigs of rosemary, leaves removed + chopped<br />
juice of 1 lemon<br />
3 tbsp grapeseed oil<br />
1 small celery root, peeled<br />
1 fat sweet potato, peeled<br />
1 large beet, peeled<br />
1 head of cauliflower, trimmed</p>
<p><strong>lentils:<br />
</strong>2 tsp grapeseed oil<br />
1 shallot, diced fine<br />
1/2 cup lentils (I used a mix of French + brown), rinsed<br />
1 cup filtered water + extra<br />
salt to taste</p>
<p><strong>horseradish + maple vinaigrette:</strong><br />
1/4 cup apple cider vinegar<br />
splash of filtered water<br />
1 tsp dijon mustard<br />
1.5 tbsp maple syrup<br />
horseradish to taste (I used 2 heaped tsp of fresh grated horseradish root)<br />
salt + pepper<br />
heavy 1/3 cup grapeseed or olive oil</p>
<p><strong>to serve:</strong><br />
black olives<br />
very roughly chopped parsley (I keep it rough because I like it as a separate, leafy kind of component-not just a garnish kinda thing)</p>
<p>Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Line 2 medium-large baking sheets with parchment + 1 extra, smaller baking sheet. Set aside.</p>
<p>Combine the rosemary, lemon juice and oil in a small bowl. Set aside.</p>
<p>Slice the celery root + sweet potato about an inch thick across. You want to cut them so that you get a large cross section for stacking. Cut one little portion off of the bottom of each vegetable so that you have a flat and steady surface for the vegetable to rest on the cutting board. Proceed to make slices from there. Lay the celery root + sweet potato slices on one of the medium-large baking sheets. Brush both sides of all vegetables with the rosemary and lemon oil, season with salt and pepper, and slide baking sheet into the oven. These should take about 35-40 minutes to brown up and soften. Remove and set aside.</p>
<p>Slice the beets about 1/4-1/2 inch thick. Lay the slices on the smaller sheet. Brush with the lemon, rosemary and oil mixture, season with salt and pepper. Cover baking sheet with foil and place in the oven. Slide baking sheet into the oven. Roast for 20 minutes covered. Remove the foil and roast for another 10-15 minutes. Remove and set aside.</p>
<p>Slice the cauliflower into 1 inch thick cross sections with the core intact. Lay the slices on the last baking sheet and brush with the rosemary + lemon oil on both sides. Season with salt and pepper and slide into the oven. The cauliflower should take about 20-25 minutes, so make sure you prep this one last. Remove and set aside.</p>
<p>While the vegetables are roasting, start the lentils. Heat the 2 tsp grapeseed oil over medium heat. Add the diced shallots. Stir them around until they become translucent and soft, about 3 minutes. Add the rinsed lentils to the pan and stir them around in the oil and shallots. Add the water to the pan. bring lentils to a very faint simmer, like just a couple bubbles coming to the surface here and there. Cook until the lentils are soft with a tiny bit of bite intact, topping up the pot with more water as necessary, about 25-30 minutes. Season lentils with salt and stir in a glug of olive oil to keep the lentils individual.</p>
<p>Make the vinaigrette: Combine all of the vinaigrette ingredients in a blender and blend on medium-high until mixture is creamy and incorporated. Check for seasoning, adjust to your liking and set aside. I tend to like vinaigrettes on the more acidic side, so you may wish to add more oil.</p>
<p>To serve, divide the warm lentils among 2 dinner plates, pressing down on them with the back of a spoon to make a flat surface. Stack the roasted vegetables on top of the flattened lentils. Drizzle the whole thing with horseradish vinaigrette. Garnish with olives and chopped parsley. Serve warm.</p>
<p>Click the picture below for mixes!</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.thefirstmess.com/valentines-day-mixes/"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-3015" alt="" src="http://www.thefirstmess.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/VDAYMIXCOVER3.jpg" width="876" height="597" /></a></p>
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				<a href="http://www.thefirstmess.com/2012/01/22/beet-potato-avocado-salad/"  title="permalink to beet, potato + avocado salad with horseradish vinaigrette">
					beet, potato + avocado salad with horseradish vinaigrette				</a>
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					Any one of my friends will tell you that I&#8217;m pretty enamored with the whole Momofuku collective of restaurants<span class="read-more-wrap"><a href="http://www.thefirstmess.com/2012/01/22/beet-potato-avocado-salad/" title="beet, potato   avocado salad with horseradish vinaigrette">View full post &raquo;</a></span>				</p>

			
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		<title>oregano roasted brassicas with maple + dijon dressing</title>
		<link>http://www.thefirstmess.com/2012/12/05/oregano-roasted-brassica-salad-recipe/</link>
		<comments>http://www.thefirstmess.com/2012/12/05/oregano-roasted-brassica-salad-recipe/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 05 Dec 2012 11:00:51 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Laura Wright</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[autumn]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[fruit]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[gluten free]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[quick]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[salad]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[side dish]]></category>
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		<category><![CDATA[winter]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[broccoli]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[brussels sprouts]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[cauliflower]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[garlic]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[hazelnuts]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[herbs]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[maple]]></category>
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		<description><![CDATA[Brassicas = mustard-y cabbages, brussels, broccoli, cauliflower etc goodness. This hearty winter salad is one of the better things I&#8217;ve made as of late. As you can see, it&#8217;s unapologetically golden brown. I&#8217;ve tried before to roast these babies and keep some green intact for the sake of aesthetic presentation, but for real? The more [...]]]></description>
				<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p style="text-align: center;"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-2605" title="oregano roasted brassicas, pomegranate, hazelnuts, maple dijon dressing // THE FIRST MESS" src="http://www.thefirstmess.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/brassFINAL6.jpg" alt="" width="876" height="656" /><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-2603" title="roasted brassicas w/ pomegranate, hazelnuts, maple dijon dressing // THE FIRST MESS" src="http://www.thefirstmess.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/brassFINAL5.jpg" alt="" width="876" height="1314" /> <img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-2615" title="roasted brassicas, pomegranate, mexican oregano, hazelnuts, maple dijon dressing // THE FIRST MESS" src="http://www.thefirstmess.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/brassFINAL4.jpg" alt="" width="876" height="584" /></p>
<p>Brassicas = mustard-y cabbages, brussels, broccoli, cauliflower etc goodness. This hearty winter salad is one of the better things I&#8217;ve made as of late. As you can see, it&#8217;s unapologetically golden brown. I&#8217;ve tried before to roast these babies and keep some green intact for the sake of aesthetic presentation, but for real? The more brown edged bits abounding, the better. Embrace the brown.</p>
<p>It has the aforementioned winter vegetables, light sweetness, sharp dijon plus so many textures and things popping at once. It&#8217;s a bit of a riff on a brussels sprouts dish I was into last year&#8211;the roasting treatment, a strong acidic component, the crunchy hazelnuts and a heavy dusting of pomegranate arils (love that word). This time I invited some other <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brassica" target="_blank">brassica</a> buddies to the party, changed up the vinaigrette and steeped the roasting oil with Mexican oregano and a smashed garlic clove before I slid the veg into a really hot oven. The sour and juicy hits of pomegranate burst on the palette just when you need something to tame the overall heft of it.</p>
<p>My mother tells a really good story about the first time she tried a pomegranate as a child.  A girl had brought one to school and shared it with her. Alight from the experience, she came home and told my Nana about it. The mysterious new fruit! So delicious, fun to eat and completely beautiful! Like any good mum, my Nana went right to the Italian market and splurged on one so that they could share it together at home. Maybe this isn&#8217;t so much a story as it is a nice way to remember my favourite ladies: a mini version of my mum picking out the little jewel-like seeds and showing them to my Nana for the first time and maybe a small amount of griping about how much work it was to actually eat the thing. Warm fuzzies are still pretty much guaranteed every time I cut into the fuschia holiday staple.</p>
<p>That sweet image was on my mind again when I was watching some morning news the day after we got back from a little time in Costa Rica. Young girls were full-on convulsing/crying at the hands of a Justin Bieber ticket giveaway gone awry. It was an instance of recognition that went along the lines of &#8220;Oh right, this continues to exist in the world.&#8221; I guess I wasn&#8217;t ready for it. Maybe someone should give those gals a pomegranate? Anyway. (No judgment&#8211;all love for Biebz) (But seriously, those young ladies would cry way too hard if someone gave them a pomegranate).</p>
<p>This could serve a lot of your peeps at a festive gathering for sure. If you&#8217;re like me, it <em>MIGHT</em> carry you over three lunches once you store it in the fridge. I couldn&#8217;t stop eating it, seriously. I went from <a href="http://instagram.com/p/SaniRHIgzV/" target="_blank">tropical fruit breakfasts</a>, ceviche all the time and 30+ Celsius beach days to some serious cold and gray Canadian winter vibes rather quickly. Pulling on the woolies, lots of hot tea, basking in some twinkle-lit glow, cozy music and giant (<em>GIANT</em>) bowls of cabbage-y darlings sprinkled with pomegranate and hazelnuts have all been pretty great things.</p>
<p>Hope you&#8217;re all easing into holiday time with lots of joy, gratefulness and cup-overflowing-levels of abundant health. <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RCSWkrzORiQ" target="_blank">Be kind</a>, say thank you and eat some vegetables, friends. Big love to you all.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-2606" title="brassicas // THE FIRST MESS" src="http://www.thefirstmess.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/brassFINAL3.jpg" alt="" width="876" height="656" /><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-2619" title="trimmings // THE FIRST MESS" src="http://www.thefirstmess.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/brass_mess.jpg" alt="" width="876" height="584" /><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-2613" title="a pomegranate + steeped oil // THE FIRST MESS" src="http://www.thefirstmess.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/brassFINAL21.jpg" alt="" width="876" height="656" /></p>
<p><strong>roasted brassica toss with pomegranate, hazelnuts + maple dijon dressing<br />
</strong><strong>serves: </strong>a crowd<strong><br />
</strong><strong>notes: </strong>I meant to throw a handful of crumbled sheep&#8217;s milk feta into this, but completely forgot pre-photo. It&#8217;s delicious without it, certainly, but dang if it wasn&#8217;t on a whole other level afterward. If you got it, do it.</p>
<p><strong>vegetables + roasting oil:<br />
</strong>1/4 cup grapeseed or other neutral oil<br />
1 clove of garlic, smashed and peeled (reserve after steeping)<br />
1 tsp dried mexican orgeano<br />
1 lb brussels sprouts, trimmed + quartered<br />
1 small head of cauliflower, trimmed + broken into bite-size florets<br />
1 bunch of broccoli, stems trimmed + sliced, florets broken off<br />
salt + pepper<strong></strong></p>
<p><strong>dressing:</strong><br />
2 tbsp apple cider vinegar<br />
2 tbsp filtered water<br />
1 tbsp maple syrup<br />
2 tsp dijon mustard<br />
reserved garlic clove<br />
salt + pepper<br />
1/3 cup grapeseed oil</p>
<p><strong>salad:<br />
</strong>1 small pomegranate, seeds removed (a good guide can be found <a href="http://www.kitchengeneration.com/2011/02/how-to-de-seed-a-pomegranate-2/" target="_blank">here</a>)<br />
1/4 cup whole hazelnuts, toasted + chopped</p>
<p>Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F. Line a very large baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.</p>
<p>Make the roasting oil for the vegetables: in a small saucepan over low heat, combine the 1/4 cup grapeseed oil, garlic clove and oregano. Bring it to a very faint simmer, remove from the heat and let the mix steep for 10 minutes or so while you trim the veg. Fish out the garlic clove and reserve it for the dressing.</p>
<p>In a large bowl, combine the brussels sprouts, cauliflower florets, broccoli stems and florets with the oregano oil, salt and pepper. Toss until all vegetables are coated. Place vegetables on the parchment lined baking sheet and roast in the oven until golden brown, about 25 minutes. Flip them around here and there.</p>
<p>Make the dressing: combine all dressing components in a blender and blitz a few times until a homogenous mix is achieved and the garlic clove is completely pureed. Check for seasoning and set aside.</p>
<p>Toss the roasted vegetables with the vinaigrette, pomegranate seeds and chopped hazelnuts. Place salad in your serving dish and garnish with a few more pomegranate seeds and nuts. Can be served warm or room temperature.</p>
<p><strong>You might also like&#8230; </strong>

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					There&#8217;s something about pomegranates and their tiny fuschia, jewel-like seeds that is so undeniably festive. They<span class="read-more-wrap"><a href="http://www.thefirstmess.com/2011/12/12/festive-brussels-sprouts/" title="festive brussels sprouts   pomegranate seeds">View full post &raquo;</a></span>				</p>

			
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					healthy, summer feeling: broccoli, basil + avocado toss				</a>
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					Summer breezes really do make me feel fine. Maybe that&#8217;s a bit hokey, but it&#8217;s completely true. The<span class="read-more-wrap"><a href="http://www.thefirstmess.com/2012/05/23/broccoli-avocado-basil-wild-rice-salad/" title="healthy, summer feeling: broccoli, basil   avocado toss">View full post &raquo;</a></span>				</p>

			
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		<title>vegetable ceviche + chipotle pepita &#8220;pilaf&#8221;</title>
		<link>http://www.thefirstmess.com/2012/08/15/vegetable-ceviche-raw-chipotle-pepita-cauliflower-pilaf-recipe/</link>
		<comments>http://www.thefirstmess.com/2012/08/15/vegetable-ceviche-raw-chipotle-pepita-cauliflower-pilaf-recipe/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 15 Aug 2012 12:18:47 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Laura Wright</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[autumn]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[gluten free]]></category>
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		<category><![CDATA[spring]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[summer]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[vegan]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[agave]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[almonds]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[basil]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[cauliflower]]></category>
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		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.thefirstmess.com/?p=2134</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[My friend asked me if I had any ideas for a simple, raw, vegetable-heavy dish (that wasn&#8217;t a salad) to make in the heat of summer. I had some things in mind, but they involved a bit of blending, or use of a food processor, a spiralized vegetable, or maybe a dehydrated component. Adding a [...]]]></description>
				<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-2142" title="Veggie Ceviche w/ Chipotle Pepita &quot;Pilaf&quot; // The First Mess" src="http://www.thefirstmess.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/cevicheFINAL4.jpg" alt="" width="940" height="703" /><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-2143" title="Veggie Ceviche w/ Chipotle Pepita &quot;Pilaf&quot; // The First Mess" src="http://www.thefirstmess.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/cevicheFINAL3.jpg" alt="" width="940" height="628" /><br />
My friend asked me if I had any ideas for a simple, raw, vegetable-heavy dish (that wasn&#8217;t a salad) to make in the heat of summer. I had some things in mind, but they involved a bit of blending, or use of a food processor, a spiralized vegetable, or maybe a dehydrated component. Adding a sprouted grain was tempting, but would prolong the process of having the actual meal by a day or so. My mind went <em>to work</em> is what I&#8217;m trying to say. It moved too fast for the simple task at hand. I needed to step back and reconsider it all.</p>
<p>I take a few things for granted when I post recipes on here. I always get such lovely feedback and kind words from many of you and I&#8217;m grateful for that, fully. There are a lot of directions here, however, that call for blending, mandoline-slicing, ice-cream-maker-churning etc. These are assumptions about accessibility, something I strictly set out to avoid when I created this space.</p>
<p>My kitchen has a few bells and whistles, sure, and I approach recipe development from that privileged stance. The very hard reality is that you can never assume too much when assessing the task of making food at home. I have access to a car/bike that can take me to at least 15 purveyors of healthy and fresh food in my area at any time. This is unusual for many. Same goes for the kitchen I work in. We have functional plumbing, hydro, a 2+ HP blender and a host of other (possibly unnecessary) devices that simply make food. That&#8217;s all they do. This state of dwelling is surprisingly common and overwhelmingly &#8220;other&#8221; at the same time. I sense that duality every time I approach the food and the tools and the task at hand.</p>
<p>I know that so many of you just want to eat well and feel as good as possible, but may not have a spiralizer slicer or a mortar and pestle or whatever. Or maybe it&#8217;s just too hot to crank out a meal with a heat-based cooking method right now. Whatever the case, we all have that same basic goal in mind I think, and there are infinitely varied ways to get there that are within all of our reach. This vibrant, simple and delicious recipe is my offering, a way of trying to get to that place.</p>
<p>This dish is beautiful and healthy, but my favourite part? You only need a knife, a vegetable peeler and your own two hands to make it happen. It&#8217;s perfect for balmy end-of-summer days. Use whatever nuts/seeds you like in the cauliflower &#8220;pilaf.&#8221; Same goes for the elegant lime, spice and mustard-cured vegetable tangle on top. It&#8217;s an honest and filling plate of goodness built up very simply. And it&#8217;s within all of our reach.</p>
<p><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-2145" title="Limes // The First Mess" src="http://www.thefirstmess.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/cevicheFINAL1.jpg" alt="" width="940" height="627" /><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-2146" title="Cauliflower // The First Mess" src="http://www.thefirstmess.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/cevicheFINAL2.jpg" alt="" width="940" height="703" /><br />
<strong>vegetable ceviche with pepita &amp; almond cauliflower &#8220;pilaf&#8221;<br />
</strong><strong>serves:</strong> 2<br />
<strong>notes:</strong> The peeler isn&#8217;t even totally necessary here. Just small or thin cuts/dices is all you need to get the job done. Also, as noted you can use whatever veggies you have around that you like, but I will highly <em>HIGHLY</em> recommend the corn while it&#8217;s in season. So good.</p>
<p><strong>for pilaf:</strong><br />
2-3 cups cauliflower florets, most of the stem removed<br />
juice of 1 lime<br />
1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil<br />
1/4 cup raw pumpkin seeds + extra for garnish<br />
handful of chopped almonds<br />
1/2 tsp dried chipotle powder<br />
salt and pepper<br />
2 sprigs of mint, leaves chopped</p>
<p><strong>for ceviche:</strong><br />
1/2 zucchini, peeled into ribbons<br />
1 carrot, peeled into ribbons<br />
2 radishes, thinly sliced<br />
1 large cob of corn, kernels removed<br />
1 small red bell pepper, stemmed and julienned<br />
1 small shallot, thinly sliced<br />
juice from 3 limes<br />
2 tsp dijon mustard<br />
2 tsp raw agave nectar<br />
1.5 tbsp extra virgin olive oil<br />
2-3 sprigs basil/cilantro, leaves finely chopped</p>
<p>Chop the stemmed cauliflower florets super fine. This can be done by milling your knife over them repeatedly, as if you were mincing garlic. Place into a medium bowl. To the bowl, add the pumpkin seeds, almonds, lime juice, olive oil, chipotle powder, salt and pepper. Stir to combine. Set aside while you prepare the ceviche. Chop and add the mint right before you&#8217;re ready to serve.</p>
<p>For the ceviche, place all ribboned/chopped vegetables in a large bowl. Pour the lime juice on top. Add the mustard and agave nectar. Toss with your hands to combine. Scrunch the vegetables down near the lime juice pooling at the bottom of the bowl. Allow this mixture to sit for about 10 minutes, tossing it up here and there. This is where the &#8220;curing&#8221; and softening up of the veggies happens.</p>
<p>After 10 minutes, drain out most of the juice from the ceviche, reserving about 1-2 tablespoons. Toss the remaining vegetables and lime juice with the olive oil and season to taste.</p>
<p>To serve: divide the pilaf between two plates, flattening it slightly. Divide the ceviche among the two plates next, placing on top of the pilaf. Garnish with the chopped basil/cilantro and more pumpkin seeds if you like.</p>
<p><strong>You might also like&#8230;<br />
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					Spring vegetables are starting to come up in a more prevalent way in and around southern Ontario. On a late night/early<span class="read-more-wrap"><a href="http://www.thefirstmess.com/2012/05/02/asparagus-sala-chili-sesame-lime-dressing/" title="asparagus salad   sesame chili lime dressing">View full post &raquo;</a></span>				</p>

			
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					These healthy tacos with fresh sweet corn, juicy peaches and basil are a culmination of many thoughts of dreamy summer<span class="read-more-wrap"><a href="http://www.thefirstmess.com/2012/07/11/peachy-sweet-corn-tacos-with-lentils-basil-slaw-recipe/" title="peachy corn succotash tacos with lentils   basil slaw">View full post &raquo;</a></span>				</p>

			
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					cauliflower &#8220;couscous&#8221; salad + falling back in				</a>
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					Couscous! The food so nice, they named it twice. Except this isn&#8217;t couscous. It&#8217;s cauliflower in a funny<span class="read-more-wrap"><a href="http://www.thefirstmess.com/2011/09/26/cauliflower-cous-cous-salad/" title="cauliflower &#8220;couscous&#8221; salad   falling back in">View full post &raquo;</a></span>				</p>

			
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		<title>sweet and sour roasted cauliflower + cellar vegetables</title>
		<link>http://www.thefirstmess.com/2011/12/14/delicious-roasted-cauliflower/</link>
		<comments>http://www.thefirstmess.com/2011/12/14/delicious-roasted-cauliflower/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 15 Dec 2011 00:16:43 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Laura Wright</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[autumn]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[gluten free]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[quick]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[side dish]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[vegan]]></category>
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		<category><![CDATA[cauliflower]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[dates]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[herbs]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[lemon]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[olives]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[sesame]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.thefirstmess.com/?p=1068</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Cauliflower is one of those more economically efficient and deeply satisfying cold weather vegetables, in the league of root veggies, onions and alliums, various other crucifers and tubers. Cellar vegetables. Stick to your ribs fare. I find, like most other winter veggies, the method of preparation is really important when you want to make it [...]]]></description>
				<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><img class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-1075" title="cauli_final4" src="http://www.thefirstmess.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/cauli_final4-940x703.jpg" alt="" width="940" height="703" /><br />
Cauliflower is one of those more economically efficient and deeply satisfying cold weather vegetables, in the league of root veggies, onions and alliums, various other crucifers and tubers. Cellar vegetables. Stick to your ribs fare. I find, like most other winter veggies, the method of preparation is really important when you want to make it appealing. I could eat cauliflower roasted at a high temperature every day in the cold months with just a pinch of salt and pepper. Seriously. It gets all toasty, a bit crunchy and it develops some lovely colouring, ranging from pale golden brown to almost black little flecks on the edges. It&#8217;s beautiful and crazy affordable.</p>
<p>I do enjoy some of the more gourmet items here and there, maybe when I&#8217;m out or I&#8217;ve received a nice gift from a friend or something. A dab of truffle oil is sometimes appropriate, high quality vanilla extract is a generous gift to be sure or some rare heirloom vegetable variety at the farmer&#8217;s market is usually too cool to pass up. But all things considered, I mostly love turning a humble and unassuming vegetable into something delicious and hearty. I appreciate accessible food and what it means to others to try and make the most of it. The best way to eat and live well is to cook and share that wealth with everyone you know.</p>
<p>So I&#8217;ve taken a basic roasting method and classed it up a teeny bit with some add ins that you combine the beautifully browned cauliflower with: sweet chopped dates, briny green olives, a sour squeeze of lemon, earthy thyme and crunchy little sesame seeds. I was trying to evoke a bit of a za&#8217;atar flavour, thinking it would be a good match for the robust cauliflower. The sesame seeds hug the cauliflower as it roasts and a nice dusting of parsley flecks makes it colourful. I&#8217;m so grateful to still have parsley in the garden, a vibrant, nutritious and green patch sticking out of the mud and browned leaves. Great proof that with a little mindful tending and effort comes deeply nourishing results.</p>
<p><img class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-1074" title="cauli_final2" src="http://www.thefirstmess.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/cauli_final2-940x703.jpg" alt="" width="940" height="703" /><br />
<strong>sesame and lemon roasted cauliflower with dates &amp; olives<br />
</strong><strong>serves:</strong> 4<br />
<strong>notes:</strong> Feel free to squeeze the lemon on top after, but I kind of like the slightly more caramelized flavour it develops throughout the roasting.</p>
<p>1 small to medium head of cauliflower, cored and cut into medium-sized florets<br />
2 tbsp raw sesame seeds<br />
1 sprig of thyme, leaves removed and chopped (or 1/2 tsp dried)<br />
2 tbsp grape seed oil<br />
juice of half a lemon<br />
salt and pepper<br />
3-4 dates, pitted and roughly chopped<br />
1/4 cup green olives, pitted and roughly chopped<br />
2 sprigs of parsley, leaves removed and finely chopped</p>
<p>Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.</p>
<p>Toss the cauliflower florets in a medium sized bowl with the sesame seeds, thyme, grape seed oil, lemon juice, salt and pepper. Dump the bowl onto a parchment lined baking sheet, making sure to scrape out all of the little sesame seeds.</p>
<p>Roast cauliflower for 15 to 20 minutes until golden brown and tender. Stir mixture a couple times throughout the roasting to avoid burnt sesame seeds.</p>
<p>Once removed from the oven, toss hot cauliflower with chopped dates, olives and parsley. Adjust seasoning if necessary and serve.</p>
<p>You might also like&#8230;<br />


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					Couscous! The food so nice, they named it twice. Except this isn&#8217;t couscous. It&#8217;s cauliflower in a funny<span class="read-more-wrap"><a href="http://www.thefirstmess.com/2011/09/26/cauliflower-cous-cous-salad/" title="cauliflower &#8220;couscous&#8221; salad   falling back in">View full post &raquo;</a></span>				</p>

			
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		<title>cauliflower &#8220;couscous&#8221; salad + falling back in</title>
		<link>http://www.thefirstmess.com/2011/09/26/cauliflower-cous-cous-salad/</link>
		<comments>http://www.thefirstmess.com/2011/09/26/cauliflower-cous-cous-salad/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 26 Sep 2011 22:16:43 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Laura Wright</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[autumn]]></category>
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		<category><![CDATA[apples]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[cauliflower]]></category>
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		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.thefirstmess.com/?p=723</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Couscous! The food so nice, they named it twice. Except this isn&#8217;t couscous. It&#8217;s cauliflower in a funny little disguise. From first glances this looks like a lovely grain salad with some chopped herbs, a bit of seasonal fruit and a sunny yellow curry dressing. But up close it&#8217;s a jumble of the teeniest cauliflower [...]]]></description>
				<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><img class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-725" title="cauliFINAL2" src="http://www.thefirstmess.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/cauliFINAL2-940x693.jpg" alt="" width="940" height="693" /><br />
Couscous! The food so nice, they named it twice. Except this isn&#8217;t couscous. It&#8217;s cauliflower in a funny little disguise. From first glances this looks like a lovely grain salad with some chopped herbs, a bit of seasonal fruit and a sunny yellow curry dressing. But up close it&#8217;s a jumble of the teeniest cauliflower florets you could ever imagine mixed up with all of those great things. Neat, huh? I actually love eating cauliflower this way, it&#8217;s nice and crisp and kind of tricks me into eating more crucifers, the health all star of the veg world. Typically I roast it, but this dish is just too much fun</p>
<p>September is always a patchwork of undeniably summery days and cool, crisp fall previews around here. My schedule has been kind of wonky and irregular and we&#8217;ve been trying to soak up every last bit of enjoyable outdoor time. All of it has been having some unfortunate effects on my food habits. Skipping meals, nibbling on white bread here and there, indulging in sweet things, more coffee than I can usually handle, wine! and on and on. I&#8217;m not beating myself up for it at all. I&#8217;ve definitely been enjoying it but! I feel like some predictability is in order for my day to day lately.</p>
<p>So! Getting back down to it. I&#8217;ve adequately prepared myself in the food department. Lots of veggies, big bowls of grains, batches of soup and even bigger helpings of this non-grain-but-sort-of-grain-like salad in the fridge. Oh, and some Udo&#8217;s oil, a fresh jar of chocolate Vega and plenty of herbal tea. Seriously, it&#8217;s like a health food store in here!</p>
<p><img class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-728" title="cauliFINAL3" src="http://www.thefirstmess.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/cauliFINAL3-940x703.jpg" alt="" width="940" height="703" /><br />
<img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-724" title="cauliFINAL" src="http://www.thefirstmess.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/cauliFINAL.jpg" alt="" width="748" height="586" /><br />
<strong>raw cauliflower couscous with curry vinaigrette, apples, grapes and herbs<br />
</strong>inspired by Charlie Trotter and Roxanne Klein&#8217;s <em><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Raw-Charlie-Trotter/dp/1580084702">Raw<br />
</a></em><strong>serves:</strong> 6-8<br />
<strong>notes:</strong> I just break the florets up by hand and rough chop them, but if you trim most of the stem off, you could probably just blitz them in the food processor and get the same effect. Garam masala is in the salad ingredients because it is traditionally used as a finishing spice.</p>
<p>vinaigrette:<br />
1.5 tbsp curry powder<br />
1/4 cup white wine vinegar<br />
1.5 tbsp agave nectar<br />
salt and pepper<br />
scant 1/2 cup grape seed oil</p>
<p>salad:<br />
1 small head cauliflower, leaves trimmed off<br />
2 green onions, white and green parts sliced thin<br />
3 sprigs of parsley, leaves chopped fine<br />
1 sprig of mint, leaves chopped fine<br />
1 apple, small dice<br />
1 cup grapes, halved (I used a concord-style grape)<br />
1.5 tbsp poppy seeds<br />
1 tsp garam masala<br />
salt and pepper</p>
<p>Make the vinaigrette: place the curry powder, white wine vinegar, agave nectar salt and pepper in a blender. Blend that up for two seconds just to dissolve the salt. Add the oil all at once. Turn the blender on again to combine evereything into one homogenous mixture. Set aside.</p>
<p>Make the cauliflower couscous: break the cauliflower into florets. Trim off as much of the stem as you can. Break up the florets as small as you can and chop roughly to make pieces as uniformly sized as possible. Place into a large bowl. Alternatively, you could use the food processor method described above.</p>
<p>Add the vinaigrette, green onions, parsley, mint, apple, grapes, poppy seeds and garam masala to the cauliflower. Toss to combine. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Serve.</p>
<p>You might also like&#8230;<br />


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					We still have so many greens in the gardens! Chard, kale, spinach and lettuces, leaves of plenty. There&#8217;s a lot of<span class="read-more-wrap"><a href="http://www.thefirstmess.com/2011/08/30/kale-salad/" title="kale salad   eating greens">View full post &raquo;</a></span>				</p>

			
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					Cauliflower is one of those more economically efficient and deeply satisfying cold weather vegetables, in the league of<span class="read-more-wrap"><a href="http://www.thefirstmess.com/2011/12/14/delicious-roasted-cauliflower/" title="sweet and sour roasted cauliflower   cellar vegetables">View full post &raquo;</a></span>				</p>

			
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