Something from Nothing

Harry Houdini would be proud. The ‘nothing’ I’m referencing is what I thought I could possibly make for dinner tonight.

But I turned on my thinker and came up with something, a solid meal plan:

Cauliflower & Mushroom Casserole

I don't know who was eating at the corners of this while it cooled.

In the dish:

• 2 cups cauliflower, chopped
• 1 pint mushrooms, sliced
• 1 cup brown rice
• basic white sauce (whole wheat flour, butter, 1/4 c parmesan)
• salt, pepper, and garlic powder

I chopped my veggies, cooked up the brown rice, made the white sauce, and threw it all together in a large bowl. Stir, stir, stir. Season. Place into casserole dish. Bake at 350°F for 30 minutes.

I served this with some tilapia and an orange Balsamic reduction.

This was my first second attempt an making a balsamic reduction. (I have tried to block out the first try ::blech::) I squeezed the juice from one orange into 1/3 c balsamic vinegar (way too much). Then proceeded to whisk my heart out, until it was nice and thick.

Note: This process creates a very cumbersome aroma. It might not be wise to plan this before having guests in your home, or I suggest you invest in some serious odor-eaters.

WHO COULD FORGET ABOUT DESSERT?!

Pumpkin Fudge à la HEAB

(3.5 ingredient fudge)

I saw HEAB’s 2-ingredient fudge this week, and I knew I needed to have it in my life. How convenient that I have copious amounts of chocolate and coconut milk on hand? Since this is the easiest base for fudge ever I figured it would be fair to experiment.

Enter pumpkin…

… and cacao nibs…

Come on, patience, I know you’re in there somewhere!

Thanks Heather, from the bottom of my happy belly!