Loaded Cauliflower Casserole

A total knockout cauliflower casserole which is low carb and keto friendly. This is so easy to make and the most delicious comfort food. It could serve as a great side dish or main dish. I used the Steam Fresh frozen cauliflower florets however fresh cauliflower florets would be ideal. The flavors in this recipe remind you of a loaded baked potato, so even if you are not on that ketogenic diet flow, this recipe will definitely hit the spot. A total knockout cauliflower casserole which is low carb and keto friendly. This is so easy to make and the most delicious comfort food. It could serve as a great side dish or main dish. I used the Steam Fresh frozen cauliflower florets however fresh cauliflower florets would be ideal. The flavors in this recipe remind you of a loaded baked potato, so even if you are not on that ketogenic diet flow, this recipe will definitely hit the spot.

Ingredients:

• 1 large head cauliflower, cut into small florets OR 1 bag of frozen cauliflower florets
• 1/2 cup chopped celery
• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• 2/3 cup sour cream
• 1.5 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
• 1/3 cup green cilantro or parsley (optional)
• Salt as needed
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika or chili powder
• 1 finely diced jalapeño (optional)

Directions:

1. Prepare a small casserole dish or tray with non-stick spray.
2. In a steamer insert over boiling water, steam the cauliflower florets for 5 minutes, until crisp-tender. Remove from heat, and drain to remove excess water.
3. For frozen cauliflower, place the frozen cauliflower in the air fryer at 350F for 10 mins or until they are crisp tender.
4. In a large mixing bowl, stir together the sour cream and cream cheese, until smooth. Stir in the cheddar cheese, chopped parsley, jalapeño, salt, pepper, and paprika. Add the cauliflower florets and celery to the bowl and mix with the cheese mixture.
5. Pour the cauliflower mixture into the casserole dish or tray. Top with the cheddar cheese mix.
6. Bake for 15-20 minutes at 350F in the oven or the air fryer until the cheese melts and the sauce is bubbly.

Tips:

• You can use broccoli as a substitute for cauliflower or use both broccoli and cauliflower. Just ensure to increase the amount of cream cheese and cheddar cheese mixture.
• If you consume onion and garlic, add 1/4 tsp garlic powder to this recipe to enhance the flavors
• If you do not have air fryer, you can pan roast the cauliflower after steaming. It will give it nice chard flavor.
• When baking in an air fryer, keep an eye towards the end as the florets can start burning or overcooking in the mixture.
• Whichever method you use to cook the cauliflower, ensure to remove the excess water. This will keep the mixture creamy.

Cheers, and Enjoy!

Air Fryer Mexican Pizza

Who doesn’t love Taco Bell? My usual order consisted of Mexican Pizza, Chalupa, Cheesy Beans & Rice Burrito, or Crunchwrap Supreme or #4. Haha. I am sure you have your favorites. Today, I am sharing one of my favorite recipes to help you curb those quarantined hunger pangs. I know the original Taco Bell recipe uses garlic and onion, I don’t care for those, so I did not add them to my recipe. However, feel free to add it yours to enhance the taste.

Ingredients:

• 8 medium-sized tortillas
• 1 can of refried beans or canned black/red kidney beans
• 1.5 Tbsp taco seasoning
• ¼ cup of water
• 1 tsp red chili powder
• 2 tsp oil
• Salt as needed
• Taco bell sauce or Ortega Taco sauce
• Mexican Blend Cheese
• 1 small tomato, chopped
• 1 tsp garlic powder (optional)
• 1 small onion, chopped (optional)
• 2 spring onions, chopped (optional)
• 2-3 chopped fresh or pickled jalapeño

Directions:

1. In a small pot heat oil, add the refried beans or canned beans, water, red chili powder, and taco seasoning. Mix everything well, then set it aside.
   • When using the canned beans, you can use a potato masher or hand blender to crush the beans.
2. Set the air fryer at 400 degrees and let tortillas cook for 3-4 minutes or until they are crispy. Use the grill to ensure they stay flat.
3. On a fried tortilla spread the beans mixture, top it with some cheese. Put another fried tortilla spread on the sauce and top it with more cheese.
4. At this point, you can also top it with tomatoes, onion, and jalapeño
5. Put the pizza in the oven and toast for 2-3 minutes or until the cheese has melted. Repeat the process for each pizza.

Tips:

• If you are using store-bought taco sauce, it can taste bit tangy, I usually dilute the sauce with few teaspoons of sugar to balance out the tanginess.
• Air Fried tortillas taste dryer than healthy Mexican Pizzas. Feel free to use more sauce to even out the dryness. I used Mission Brand Carb Balance tortillas.
• You can also shallow fry the tortillas until golden brown for the traditional way.
• You can also add a layer Sour Cream or Queso or both on top of the bean layer to amplify the pizza.
• We own the Cuisinart TOA-60 Air Fryer, certain air fryers may require higher or lower temperature settings. Please don’t walk away from the air fryer during the baking processes as the tortillas can burn rapidly. Please refer to your air fryer instructions for proper temperature settings.

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Cheers, and Enjoy!

Champs NYC

These delicious delicacies were eaten at Champs Family Bakery in NY.  From top right, we had a veggie burger with all the works, a macro bowl with delicious sauerkraut, vegetarian chili, and nachos, and finished it off with nice cane cola and pie.  Let’s just say the hubby and I was in a food coma after this meal.  If you are visiting NY or a resident of this wonderful city, this eatery is a must for vegans and non-vegans. Can’t wait to go back.