Curried-Cashew Cauliflower

Curried-Cashew Cauliflower

1 large head Cauliflower

½ cup cashew butter (roasted) this can be made in a vita-mix with cashews and a little oil

1/3 cup olive oil

2 tablespoons curry powder

¼ teaspoon kosher salt

Juice of one half of an orange (or about 3 tablespoons)

1 tablespoon orange zest (grate from orange before juicing it)

2 tablespoons of chopped roasted cashews (garnish)

1 tablespoon parsley, chopped (garnish)

Preheat oven to 400 degrees

Cut the cauliflower in large bite size pieces, discarding the middle tough part of the stalk, set aside.

Mix together all remaining ingredients except the last two that are for garnish

Spread the curry-cashew mixture as best you can on the tops of the cauliflower pieces as   you place them on a sheet pan lined with parchment paper

Place in the preheated oven for approx. 10-12 minutes or until a little tender (not too soft)

Transfer to a platter and sprinkle with the chopped nuts and parsley

Kabocha Squash Soup

Kabocha Squash Soup with Caramelized Apple and Crème Fraiche

Ingredients: (serves 6-8)

One medium kabocha squash

2 quarts vegetable or low sodium chicken stock

1 cup heavy cream

¼ cup honey

2 cinnamon sticks

2 star anise (optional)

1 tablespoon curry powder

1 large granny smith apple (or any green apple)

¼ cup crème fraiche

1 tablespoons sugar

Preheat oven to 425 degrees

Cut kabocha in half, remove seeds and place on a sheet pan with about ¾ in. of water.  Place in preheated oven for approx. 45 minutes or until soft.  Remove from oven and set aside to cool.  Scoop out the squash flesh and discard skin. Combine flesh in a large pot with the stock and c bring to simmer.  Remove from heat.  With an immersion blender, blend mixture until smooth. ( you can use a standing blender, but be sure to blend in small batches, and pulse gradually, holding lid securely with towel, as hot soup tends to expand) Place mixture back on stove and continue simmering for 15 minutes.  Add cream and continue to simmer slowly for another 5 minutes. Remove from heat and add honey, cinnamon sticks, curry powder and star anise. Allow to steep for one hour, stirring occasionally.  Strain out the cinnamon and star anise.

Peel apple, cut in quarters, core and cut each quarter in 4-5 slices.  Sprinkle the sugar among the apple slices and broil until golden brown on greased baking sheet.

Divide the reheated soup among 6-8 bowls, top with a dollop of crème fraiche and a few slices of caramelized apple.  You can also whisk in a few tablespoons of milk or cream to the crème fraiche and drizzle on top of soup to prevent it from sinking. Serve hot!