A lot about this pregnancy has been so different than with Joss, but one of the things that has stayed consistent is the constant craving for spicy foods. The first time I ever ate a jalapeño was at the Denver Airport flying to MN 4 months pregnant with Joss & I proceeded to down the entire side container that came with my taco salad. It was a life changing experience to say the least, because I haven't looked back yet. This time around, it’s been buffalo sauce. I shape our dinners around the question “Can I add buffalo sauce to this & not be judged?” If the answer is yes, we’re golden. If the answer is no, I just try to hide it better. Luckily this craving of mine has led to some pretty interesting experiments in the kitchen that just happen to turn out pretty dang good- & that’s from the husband scale.
Now, let me tell you that when I went primarily plant based, one thing I didn’t think I would find a substitute for were those college dive-bar style apps. You know, nachos with all the fake cheese, piled high with sour cream & (you guessed it) jalapeños or some b dubs boneless buffalo wings dunked in ranch. I had never been someone who ate them often, but how were you supposed to find a substitute for something like that & make it from plants?! Short answer is- you can & they’re just as delicious as the “real” thing. It’s amazing how we are so accustomed to assuming the reason we enjoy something is because of the meat or cheese in it, when most of the time if we can find a comparable texture & season it well- you taste buds will do that same little happy dance with each bite. Cashews & potatoes to make a creamy cheese sauce, lentils or black beans for ground beef, & the reason we’re all here..cauliflower florets for chicken wings.
These Buffalo Cauliflower Bites are such a great substitute for the real thing. You can throw them in a wrap, toss them up in a salad, or just dunk in some dairy-free ranch. Try bringing these to your fourth of July BBQ (or just show them off to the friends coming to your virtual one) & let the flavor speak for itself.
Ingredients:
1 medium head cauliflower
1/2c all-purpose or gluten free flour
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp chili powder
1-2 tsp paprika (depends on preference)
Pinch of salt & pepper
1/2c warm water
1/2c buffalo sauce
Recipe:
Preheat the oven to 425 & line a sheet pan with parchment paper or reusable baking sheet.
Clean, dry & chop up your head of cauliflower into bit sized pieces (think popcorn chicken sized)
In a medium sized bowl combine flour, seasonings, & water. Add in the cauliflower and gently toss until well coated.
Line them up flat on your baking sheet & bake for 30 minutes, flipping halfway.
Take them out & brush or toss with your favorite buffalo sauce (we’re a Frank’s family.)
Once they’re well coated, put them back in the over for about 10 minutes & turn up to broil for the last 3-5. They should come out red, hot, & crispy.
Let them cool & serve as desired!!
Make sure to send me a message & tag me in your pictures if you make these- can’t wait to hear what you think! Happy 4th everyone!