Cauliflower Chowder

Cauliflower Chowder

adapted from Bon Appetit

The miso that is added at the end give the soup another level of savory flavor.

If you haven't tried Wondra flour™ it is a game changer when making soups and gravies. It dissolves very quickly and smoothly into the dishes.

 
Makes 3 servings                                                            7 WW pts / serving

1 1/2 Tbsp. butter, divided
1/2 onion, finely chopped
1 celery stalk, thinly sliced
2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
2/3 tsp. chopped fresh thyme
1/2 tsp. Kosher salt
4 tsp. Wondra flour™ 
1/3 lb. cauliflower, cut into small florets and stems diced
5 oz. baby potatoes, scrubbed and diced
1/2 cup half & half

1 2/3 cups water
1 cup oyster crackers
2/3 tsp. Nick's Famous Crab Seasoning™ or your favorite crab /seafood seasoning

2 tsp. yellow miso
Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
Chopped scallion greens for serving

1. Heat 1 Tbsp. butter in a pot. 
2. Add the onion, celery, thyme, and salt; Cook, stirring occasionally, until onion is translucent and celery is softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Sprinkle in the flour over onion mixture; Cook, stirring, 1 minute. 
4. Add the cauliflower, potatoes, half & half and water; Bring to a simmer and cook, stirring occasionally, until cauliflower and potatoes are tender and liquid is slightly thickened, about 20 minutes.
5. Meanwhile, heat remaining 1/2 Tbsp. butter in a small skillet . 
6. Add the oyster crackers, tossing or stirring often, until golden brown in spots, about 5 minutes. 
7. Remove from heat, sprinkle with crab seasoning, and toss until crackers are evenly coated.
8. Stir in the miso 
9. Remove from heat and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
10. Ladle chowder into bowls; Top with scallion greens.
11. Serve with oyster crackers.

Enjoy!

Chili Garlic Snack Mix

Do you remember when you could not buy Chex Mix in the grocery store? It is so much cheaper to make it yourself especially when you use store brands for the ingredients. This one is a little more expensive due to the smoked almonds but any nut will do.

Chili Garlic Snack Mix
adapted from Food Network Kitchen June 2015

3 cups rice cereal squares
2 1/2 cups mini cheese crackers 
1 1/2 cup mini pretzels
1 cup smoked almonds
6 tablespoons butter
1 tablespoon chili powder
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Kosher salt

Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F and line a baking sheet foil.

In a large bowl combine the cereal, crackers, pretzels and almonds; toss to combine. 
Melt the butter in a microwave. Stir in the chili powder, paprika and garlic powder. Drizzle over the popcorn mixture and toss to coat; season to taste with salt.

Spread the snack mix on the prepared baking sheet. Bake, stirring a couple times, until lightly toasted, about 10 minutes. Let cool completely. Store in an airtight container.