1 POINT+ Mock My Mashed Potatoes Recipe!

Are you all looking for ways to lighten up your Thanksgiving Holiday Meal without sacrificing flavor?  I LOVE rich, buttery, roasted garlic mashed potatoes, but, honestly skip them during turkey day because they are just not worth the “calories” and I can have them ANY time of the year.  I usually try to save my calories for things that I can only each once a year.

I will be the first to tell you that any recipe variation for mashed potatoes that people have told me about that does NOT include potatoes just sounds funky.  I think The Husband gets a little worried whenever he sees me browsing ideas for “mock mashed potatoes”.

I have had sooooo many friends tell me to give “cauliflower” mashed potatoes a try and I think they are CRAZY!!!  Well, I finally took that big leap of faith and ventured out.  Honestly, I thought this would be a recipe I’d make and throw out.  I am not a big fan of Cauliflower – I think it tastes like rubber.  I’ll eat it, but, I don’t enjoy it.

I cannot tell you all how much these “Mock Mashed Potatoes” taste exactly like mashed potatoes.  They are thick, creamy and buttery with hints of garlic.  I really think it’s the half and half that makes all the difference.  Even The Husband loved them and he was probably more scared to try it than me.  We actually both split the recipe and ate ALL of it the first time I made it.

We have since played a joke of the nephews and friends serving it up and not telling them they were Mock Mashed Potatoes.  It’s always fun to tell everyone AFTER what they really ate :D  Isn’t that always the best time to find out?! LOL.

The added bonus – it’s so easy to make and totally save you time to work on all your other holiday treats!

MOCK MY MASHED POTATOES

INGREDIENTS

1 head cauliflower, cut into florets, about 3 cups

2 garlic cloves, peeled

1/2 ounce butter-flavored spray

1/2 cup fat-free half & half

Sea Salt &  freshly ground black pepper

VARIATIONS (Count additional calories/points+ for each addition)

* Add a 1/4 cup of parmesan to make them “cheesier”

* Add 2 slices crumbles turkey bacon and 1/4 cup low fat sharp cheddar cheese for garlicky, cheesy, bacon mashed potatoes!

* Spice it up by adding 1 chipotle in adobo sauce pepper

Make it VEGAN by using Soy Milk and 1 Tbsp melted Earth Balance Butter

INSTRUCTIONS

1.  Place cauliflower and garlic cloves in a microwave steamer.  I typically add about a 1/4 inch water to help it “steam”.  Steam or microwave the cauliflower until soft, about 7-8 minutes.

2.  Drain cauliflower/garlic mixture well and place in a large food processor.  Puree in a food processor, adding the butter spray and the half-and-half. Season with salt and pepper.

Makes 4 large servings!

Nutritional information per serving, 1 point+ each! (1/2 the recipe is only 1 point)

I am totally planning on serving these Mashed Potatoes up this year for Thanksgiving (let all our guest be forewarned 😉

HAPPY FRIDAY ALL!