copycat

{whole foods copycat}

See what I did there? bolded the cat part. Crazy cat lady at heart 🙂

You guys, I love Whole Foods. It’s too expensive for my lifestyle though. The main thing I love is the salad bar and prepared foods section. It’s about a $9 lunch so I only allow myself to go about every 2 weeks. I have several favorites all of which I plan to recreate. To name a few: Sriracha brussell sprouts, cold sesame noodles with cucumbers, balsamic roasted beets, artichoke spinach dip, casear pasta salad, and the curried cauliflower.

My goal is to try to make my own version of these and compare them to the real deal. I only get the curried cauliflower every once in awhile because they are pretty rich and a flavor that requires “having a taste for”. But I mean, who wakes up and says “Omg I am totally in the mood for curried cauliflower” No one.

And that’s the special thing about the Whole Foods prepared food section. The one by work varies often so when my favorite ones appear that “taste” immediately happens.

I usually get the little plastic container thing and give myself a small little bit of several items. Note to self: do not overload on cherry tomatoes their weight makes your salad $15. It really is the perfect lunch. I don’t think there is a Love Your Lunch recipe that beats a Whole Foods lunch.

However, if I can recreate all the delicious things at Whole Foods I will be able to bring them to lunch myself (and probably be cheaper too!). I am going to attempt a little series that will be my Not So Doughie (not that WFs is doughie) version of my Whole Foods favorites. So up first: Curried Cauliflower

curried cauliflower

Recipe By: Sara
Prep Time: 5 minutes ||| Cook TIme: 25-30 minutes ||| Servings: 4 ||| Difficult Level: Low

Ingredients:
1 head of cauliflower, cut into pieces
2 garlic cloves
1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
1 Tbsp curry powder
1 Tbsp cumin
1/2 tsp Garam Masala
1/2 tsp fennel seed
1/2 tsp crushed red pepper
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp ground ginger
1 Tbsp cilantro, chopped
1/2 cup frozen peas

Directions:
1. In a small bowl, combine the oil and all of the spices and garlic. Stir to combine.
2. Toss in the cauliflower and use your hands to thoroughly coat the pieces.
3. Spread over a baking sheet and put in the oven at 350 degrees.
4. Roast for about 25-30 minutes until fork tender (depends on size of the pieces)
5. Remove from the oven and put into serving dish.
6. Add the peas and cilantro, stir and set aside. The heat from the cauliflower will “cook” the peas.
7. Serve warm or chilled.

Enjoy!

{a new link-up!}

Sunday night blogging led me to stumble upon this link-up hosted by Jessica & Ashley called Taste of Tuesday. It’s a pretty simple concept that is right down my alley. Each Tuesday post a little something related to food, whether it is a new restaurant to try, a healthy snack, or a delicious recipe. Those participating will linkup on their blogs. I look forward to increased traffic with this fun new hangout.

For my first Taste of Tuesday, I am sharing with you my copycat Olive Garden bread sticks ***Warning: this is a D O U G H I E recipe*** I mean come on, IT IS DOUGH!

I will share that I greatly despise the Olive Garden. However, I am a fan of their salad and bread sticks. I wanted to try to bake bread sticks for a while and did a little research before I dove in. These really are excellent and, in my opinion, are pretty damn close to the ones the serve. I hope you enjoy & be sure to check out Blissfully Miller & Let’s Get Bananas!

Ingredients:
1 1/2 cups warm water (105-115 degrees, no more no less)
1 packet yeast
3 1/2 cups bread flour
2 Tbsp white sugar
2 Tbsp unsalted butter, melted
1 tsp salt

For topping
3 Tbsp unsalted butter, melted
1 tsp salt
2 tsp garlic powder
pepper
sprinkle of parmesan cheese

DIrections
1. In a standing mixer (or bowl), combine yeast, water, and a small pinch of the sugar. Let stand 10 minutes or until frothy.
2. Add 1 cup of the flour, melted butter, salt and sugar. Attach bread hook.
3. Slow start mixing on low, adding remaining flour until combined.
4. Allow dough to be kneaded on medium speed for about 2 minutes. Adding additional flour if dough is too sticky.
5. Place dough in an oiled bowl, covered tightly with plastic wrap. Let sit in a warm area for at least an hour. Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees
6. Turn dough out onto a floured surface and divide into 12 equal pieces.
7. Roll each piece into a thick snack and place on a greased baking sheet.
8. Bake for about 8-12 minutes or until golden brown.
9. Combine all ingredients for topping, except parmesan in a small bowl.
10. As soon as bread comes out of the oven, use a kitchen brush to paint the butter mixture on the cooked bread sticks. Sprinkle with a bit of Parmesan cheese and serve immediately.

enjoy.