posted on November 23, 2000 01:29:32 PM
Happy Thanksgiving! I have a small problem. I'm sure this is a real stupid question, but I don't cook much, except for Thanksgiving and Christmas. I can do those, as long as I stick to the basics and don't try too many new things.
I was going to make cauliflower with cheese sauce as one of our vegetables for our Thanksgiving dinner this year. The supermarket didn't have frozen cauliflower (Yeah, I really am NOT a cook), so my daughter said, 'Don't worry, I'll bring the cauliflower.' She shows up with a whole head of fresh cauliflower! What the heck am I supposed to do with this??? It has to be steamed, right? How exactly does one accomplish this? How long does it take? Do I cut it up before I cook it? I am totally clueless here...any suggestions? Thanks.
posted on November 23, 2000 01:39:41 PM
Hi! Don't panic. Cut the cauliflower into the size pieces you want and put them in the steamer. Takes about five to ten minutes depending on how done you want them and how big the pieces are. Test them with a fork. If it goes into the pieces pretty easily then they are done. That's it.
posted on November 23, 2000 01:45:04 PM
Yes, cut it up. I only use the florets...not the stems. I nuke those florets, covered, in a small amount of water in the microwave. Check your own micro cookbook for times and temps, etc. The micro is great for veggies. Easy, too...plus you can't boil it dry and burn it...
Then just pour the cheese sauce - that you made on the stove - over the hot, cooked cauliflower. Yum. You make me want some!
posted on November 23, 2000 01:46:50 PM
Rawbunzel,
Thanks so much. I think even I can manage that! I sort of knew it wasn't hard, but I just didn't know how to do it! Thanks for saving me, have a great Thanksgiving,
Linda
posted on November 23, 2000 01:52:33 PM
Hi toke,
We were posting at the same time. Thanks so much for the tips. I think I'll try the microwave (it has kept me alive all these years!! )
Come on over and have some, we're having our usual 'homeless waif' dinner, anybody that doesn't have a dinner to go to just ends up at my house!
I love this board, you guys know everything!
Have a great day, eat lots of turkey, and thanks again,
Linda
posted on November 23, 2000 01:56:00 PM
You're welcome.
Tokes way is easy to. I just cook the old fashioned way and rarely use my microwave. But Toke, Some of us use the stems! Just not the green leaved part . I use the whole thing. I could eat the whole thing too! I love cauliflower!
posted on November 23, 2000 02:15:34 PM
I think the best way to cook cauliflower is to remove the leaves and cut out the core leaving the head intact, wrap in microwavable plastic wrap and microwave on high 5-12 minutes (depending on microwave and how soft or crisp is preferred). Then season to taste. I am a somewhat marginal cook, this usually works perfectly for me. It is very simple and can be placed in bowl on table still whole for a nice presentation.
I take a lot of grief from my frugal husband about waste...I chuck the broccoli stems, too... I know I'm bad...I just don't like stems. My parrot likes them though, so not a total loss... And if the economy tanks, I'm sure I'll learn to love them...
I like your idea figmente...do you have to buy a special plastic wrap? You could really do something that looks fancy without being actual work. I love that part.
posted on November 23, 2000 06:57:30 PM
I use the stems on brocoli and cauliflower but it peel them with a potato peeler and they come out nice and tender.
posted on November 23, 2000 07:43:48 PM
I know how to cook(not that I will ever provide any competition for a chef). I just try to avoid doing it as much as possible.
Hey, they're only gonna get hungry again and I'll have to start all over, right?
posted on November 23, 2000 08:53:21 PM
Too late for today, but next time: cut the stems up in little pieces (really little) and put them in the tossed salad. It adds crunch!
