Wednesday, February 12, 2014

Bacon-Cheddar Cauliflower Chowder + Weekly Dinner Menu.

This is a awesome, healthier alternative to potato soup and I promise it tastes great! 



Bacon-Cheddar Cauliflower Cheddar
Recipe from Iowa Girl Eats

8 slices center-cut bacon, chopped (half used for garnish)
1/2 small onion, chopped OR 1 teaspoon onion powder
1 celery stalk, chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
salt & pepper
4 cups shredded or grated cauliflower (1/2 large head)
2 Tablespoons water
2 Tablespoons flour
2 cups chicken broth, divided
2 cups 2% milk
3-4 dashes hot sauce (or more or less)
2-1/2 cups (12oz) shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided (half used for garnish)
2 green onions, chopped (optional)

Whisk together flour and 1/4 cup chicken broth in a small bowl then set aside.

Saute bacon in a large soup pot over medium heat until crisp. Using a slotted spoon, transfer bacon to a paper towel-lined plate then remove all but 1 Tablespoon drippings from the pot. Add chopped onion (if using,) celery, and garlic to the pot then season with salt and pepper and saute until vegetables are tender, about 4-5 minutes.

Add cauliflower and onion powder (if using) to the pot then stir to combine. Add water then place a lid on top and steam cauliflower until tender, stirring a couple times, about 5-7 minutes. Add remaining chicken broth and milk then turn up heat and bring to a boil.

Slowly whisk in flour/chicken broth mixture while stirring, then turn down heat and simmer for 3-4 minutes, or until chowder has thickened. Turn off heat then stir in 2 cups cheddar cheese until smooth, then stir in half the cooked bacon. Taste and adjust salt, pepper, and/or hot sauce if necessary. Serve topped with remaining shredded cheese, cooked bacon, and green onions, if desired.

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Monday - Easy Chicken Parmesan with Caesar salad for David & Emily


Wednesday Ginger glazed mahi with glazed carrots

Thursday -  Date night

Friday - Valentine's Day / Megan working until 9pm :(

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16 comments :

  1. um Bacon Cheddar Cauliflower Chowder??!? Sounds like the best thing ever, and I love a good healthy alternative. I honestly think I am going to run out and get the ingredients so I can make it today or tomorrow!!

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  2. Yum that soup sounds so good!! That mahi sounds good too, I wish I knew what the heck I was doing when cooking fish!

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  3. i am in love w/ your plate ware. table ware? wtc do you call it? wow i need to be engaged with a registry immediately

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  4. Those brussels sprouts, YUM! I will definitely be making that!

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  5. MMM I love Brussels *and* I love that you also love Rachel Schultz's blog - her food is SO good!!!

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  6. These all sound great! Especially the cauliflower alternative!

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  7. omg those brussels srouts look amazing! xo

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  8. I'm glad you posted that soup recipe, it looked awesome on instagram! Have you made the brussel sprouts before?? I make them just roasted on the stove, but never with the gorgonzola or cranberries and that looks fabbbb!

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  9. Yum, that soup looks good!! I may just have to attempt that tonight.

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  10. this looks amazing and Brussels sprouts are my new weird obsession

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  11. Thank you for sharing this as I so want to try it!

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  12. I was looking up that soup last night! Glad to hear its yummy!!

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  13. I LOVE baked potato soup, so I'll have to try this healthier alternative.

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  14. all of this sounds insanely amazing. i need to get to cooking ;) Xx.

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  15. This sounds great! Thanks for the recipe!

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