South Beach Surprise Mashed "Potatoes"

If I could eat potatoes every day, I would. Unfortunately, my metabolism doesn't allow me to do that without affecting my dress size. So, you can imagine, I was quite happy when I found this alternative.

I have always been a fan of cauliflower, but I had only ever cut them into bite-sized florets and served them steamed with butter, salt, and pepper. Kind of boring, but tasty.

When I starting following a South Beach lifestyle, I ran across this simple recipe and it has been a staple in my diet ever since. This is a recipe that can be made in advance in bulk, separated into smaller portions and frozen for future consumption.

Using cauliflower as a potato substitute made it easier to get in more servings of vegetables per day. I enjoy them because they help me feel full like a potato does, they allow me to eat dinner at a later hour without gaining weight, and I enjoy their light flavor. When they are whipped they even resemble a traditional mashed potato so I don't feel like I am depriving myself.

For other recipes that call for mashed potatoes as an ingredient, I continue to use real mashed potatoes; unfortunately this substitute does not transfer well into other applications. However, as an element in a meal, it is a delightful change from white potatoes.

Since this is a bland food with little color, when planning your menu select bright colorful foods to combine it with. Part of the satiations process includes eye stimulation. I like us couple this vegetable with fresh steamed green beans with mushrooms, or a sweet potato. Another favorite is asparagus grilled with red, orange and yellow peppers. Adding color makes your bread tell your taste buds that food tastes better.

Ingredients

• 4 Cups cauliflower florets
• 1 Ounce I Can't Believe It's Not Butter spray
• 1 Ounce fat-free half and half
• Pinch of salt
• Fresh ground pepper to taste

Directions

1. Steam cauliflower until soft.
2. Puree in a food processor. Note: If you like more texture, mash the cauliflower with a fork rather than pureeing it in the blender. Omit half and half if you choose this option.
3. Add butter spray and half and half to taste.
4. Season with salt and pepper.

Makes 4 servings.