Thursday, January 24, 2013

Friday Night Bites | Cauliflower Buffalo Wings



Hubby and I aren't really sports fans.  We don’t typically sit home on Sundays to watch a football game.  We are probably in the minority when it comes to being sports fans; however last weekend with the San Francisco 49’s in contention for heading to the super bowl; our sports fanatic side came out for a day. Smile. Of course we wanted to see if the Bay Area team would be represented in one of the biggest sports day of the year.  Sorry to all Falcon fans for your loss; however super happy that our local team is heading to New Orleans to give it all they’ve got. Go niners!

We enjoy going to a super bowl party though.  With any super bowl party, the next best thing to watching the game is of course the food.  Now I can always get into the food at a super bowl party along with the socializing factor.  Smile.  Recently while browsing Pinterest, I came across this recipe for Cauliflower Buffalo Wings – it simply fascinated me.  I am not much of a chicken wings person, but the idea of a healthier version without the traditional wing component, was something worth trying.

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Anything with a spicy side and blue cheese is a touchdown with me.  No pun intended - just couldn’t resist.  Smile.  I altered the recipe by using whole wheat flour, more garlic and less hot sauce and making my personal favorite Blue Cheese Recipe.  The result was a fairly healthy - I stress “fairly healthy” appetizer.  I think this would be a great option for all of you who want a tasty and unique appetizer for the upcoming super bowl festivities.


Cauliflower Buffalo Wings

1 Head Cauliflower
1 Cup Milk
¾ Cup Whole Wheat Flour
1 Tablespoon Garlic Powder
1 Tablespoon Butter
½ Cup Frank’s Red Hot Sauce
½ Cup Blue Cheese Dressing

Preheat oven to 450 Degrees.

Trim the head of cauliflower into appetizer sized bites and set aside.

In a bowl stir together milk, flour and garlic powder.  Dip each piece of cauliflower into the batter and allow the extra batter to drip off.  Place on a greased baking sheet.  Spray the tops of the florets with cooking oil.  Bake for 18 minutes. 

Melt the butter in a saucepan over low heat and add the Frank’s hot sauce and stir.  Toss cooked cauliflower pieces with the sauce.  Put back on cookie sheet and bake for 5 to 7 more minutes in the oven.  Remove and serve with a side of Blue Cheese Dressing.

Adapted from:  An Edible Mosaic

Blue Cheese Dressing

½ C. Maytag Blue Cheese
½ C. English Stilton
1 C. Buttermilk
2 T. Olive Oil
1 T. Fresh Lemon Juice
1 T. Worcestershire Sauce
½ t. Garlic Powder
¼ t. Salt
6 to 8 Grinds of Fresh Pepper

Let both cheeses come to room temperature. In a medium bowl add the room temperature cheese and smash with a spoon until semi smooth with a few chunks. Add the remaining ingredients. Stir together until combined. Transfer to a container with a tight seal and refrigerate until ready to use.


19 comments:

  1. In the sports world we call you guys "Fair weather fans" :P But these look absolutely delicious. I honestly though they were chicken wings at first, they kind of have a similar shape! I definitely want to try these, thanks for sharing :)

    Sincerely,
    Happy Valley Chow

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  2. Oh my gosh I love these! What a creative idea. Well done.

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  3. I am so trying these. I happen to really like the traditional buffalo wings but I rarely ever have them. This sounds like a great compromise. Love this, Lisa!

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  4. The snacks and party are the best party to me! Love these tasty cauliflower bites. I don't like chicken wings (just takes too many to get full, lol) but I think I'd like these. I'm might have to add these to the snack line-up for the big game. Woo hoo, it's almost Friday.
    -Gina-

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  5. What a neat take on the high fat wings, I could totally go for these and not feel guilty much :) great and vibrant photos, makes me want to sit down amd watch a game!

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  6. I love this idea. I would go to town on a plate of these!

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  7. Love this idea, Lisa! The blue cheese dressing is a must! :)

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  8. Wow, these look good- I wish I could have a plate of your special wings when I watch my favorite team in the Super Bowl!!!!

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  9. Cauliflower is so great at disguising itself. I use to grate it on top of salads like Parmesan so my kids would eat it. I love your clever version and although there's no meat Inside I bet this is one tasty veggie!

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  10. What a brillant vegetarian twist on buffalo wings. Pinning it. Please bring it by my foodie friday party.. folks will love it. simplelivingeating.com

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  11. I definitely have to try this great appetizer! The photos highlight how delicious they look!!

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  12. can I use unsweetened almond milk and regular flour (these are what I have on hand at the moment)

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    1. Hello Lili - No problem on the regular flour. I have actually never used almond milk but don't see why you couldn't try it. Let me know how it turns out! Good luck!

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  13. I was wondering the same thing about using almond milk! I'm doing a Vegan diet so I'm trying to Veganize a lot of stuff that sounds awesome. ;)

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  14. Made with gluten free multipurpose flour and coconut milk unsweetened, delicious I must say. Hubby said he would eat instead of chicken. Out of the ball park!

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    1. That is SO cool! Love the tip and that your hubby loved it. Have a great week!!

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  15. What is English Stilton? I have never heard of it?

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    1. It is similar to a blue cheese but produced in England. Quite delish! http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stilton_cheese

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  16. This is great: love cauliflower!

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