I spent last week in Chicago, where it snowed — in April! Whatever happened to April showers?! Growing up in the midwest, I understand how sporadic the weather can be, especially during the spring. Given I am not in snow very often any longer, I did my best to embrace it and enjoy the crisp air, huge snow flakes and beautiful white blanket that I work up to, never mind the temps!

Chicago has always been of my most FAVORITE cities and still is, you can read more about my faves to explore in Chicago, here. I didn’t venture into the big city this time, with event commitments and a longer commute I chose to hang out in the suburb, Schaumburg.

I discovered this super fun, diverse restaurant that I absolutely fell in love with, Big Bowl. With an incredible menu, there was so much to choose from – I opted for a Thai – Curry creation made with cauliflower versus rice. Using cauliflower as a rice substitute is something I’ve been doing for awhile and am so excited to see it pop up in more creative forms on restaurant menus.

It was ahhh – mazing! The best part, the cauliflower rice truly leaves you feeling satisfied and not sluggish while providing some pretty great health benefits such as:

Cauliflower Pros’s

• Can be substituted for various starches in a variety of forms & recipes – and is actually GOOD!
• Aids in weight loss
• Fights inflammation
• Provides high levels of Vitamins & Minerals (Vitamin C & K)
• Supports healthy gut health. Excellent for people struggling with Crohn’s, Colitis and other gastro challenges
• Helps balance hormones
• Preserves eye health
• Helps to fight cancer
• Offers natural detoxification support

Ok, so how else can you enjoy it aside from raw. I list a few of my favorites below.  Don’t want to mess with grating the cauliflower yourself, it is now in the frozen section of many grocery stores (or produce department) for convenience.

> Tip: if a whole head is grated, use what you need and store the rest in the refrigerator for easy prep the remainder of the week.

Things You Can Do With Cauliflower

• Cauliflower Mashed Potatoes
• Cauliflower Pizza Crust
• Shrimp Stir-fry with Cauliflower Rice (beef, chicken, scallops, etc)
• Buffalo Cauliflower Bites
• Cauliflower Steak
• Raw in salads, with hummus, steamed or roasted with garlic & sea salt.

I usually use the ol’ google for a quick recipe – but if you have a fave, please do share below! Oh and many grocery stores do sell cauliflower pizza crust, if you prefer to go that route.

Thanks so much for stopping by.

Much Love,

XX,

Renee