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The Miracle of Roasting Cauliflower

Dec 9, 2013 ·

roasting cauliflower

There is nothing more joyful than the birth of a child. As a physician assistant I delivered quite a few babies. It was a miracle every time and the glorious experience never got old.  I hoped to be a mom one day myself. It was “the job” I looked most forward to.

I remember every detail of the birth of my children like it was yesterday. Secretly, I prayed for a girl and wow did I deliver! My miracle is perfectly beautiful and loves me like no other. Two and half years later I am blessed with William. Let the fun begin. So many treasured memories to wrap myself up in; warm and fuzzy all over.

Christmas in San Diego
My most precious gifts. Christmas in San Diego.

Caitlin is the daughter that dreams are made of. She is my greatest gift and always will be. She is my reason for getting out of bed in the morning. Something I never thought I could do after William died. Without ever knowing she handed me the “shovel” so I could dig deep. It takes a while, but the time will come. The strength to dig deep is inside of each and every one of us. Find a reason to emerge from that dark hole. Ask for help if you can’t see the light.

While the parent is supposed to protect the child somewhere along the way our boundaries get blurred and roles get reversed. Truthfully, Caitlin and I have exchanged very few words about William’s death. Maybe there are no words for the death of a young son and brother. But healing begins with a few words. “Mom, we will find happiness again, I promise”.  Much like her brother, my daughter is strong and confident and determined. She follows through on her promise with a little help from a guy named Sam.

Cait's wedding

Next to her birth, Caitlin’s wedding is one of the most joyful experiences of my life. I did not know I could feel that kind of comfort in my heart again. The year leading up to the big day is filled with priceless moments, laughter and I’d be lying if I didn’t say a few tears. But I let it go. I open my heart to the possibility….that I can feel joy again and I do. You can, too. It’s a very real miracle.

Sicilian Roasted Cauliflower
Sicilian Roasted Cauliflower

In my cooking world there is nothing more miraculous than the transformation taken on by raw vegetables when roasted. How anyone can bite into a raw mushroom, broccoli floret or chunk of cauliflower and enjoy it is beyond me. But take those same vegetables, roast them up and I am in veggie side-dish heaven. My dear Caitlin taught me the virtues of roasted cauliflower (I love that this apple didn’t fall far from the cooking tree), so this one is for her. I love her more than I can say. She is my greatest gift this Christmas season.

Sicilian Roasted Cauliflower

1 head Cauliflower
3 Tbsp Olive Oil, divided
½ tsp Kosher Salt
¼ tsp Ground Black Pepper
2 Tbsp Non-pareil Capers, drained, rinsed
  Juice of 1/2 Lemon
¼ cup Golden Raisins
2 Tbsp Pine Nuts, toasted

Heat oven 450F. Cut cauliflower into 1/2-inch thick slices. Place in a large baking pan. Drizzle with 2 tablespoons olive oil. Sprinkle with salt and pepper; toss around. Roast for 20 to 25 minutes, turning twice, until tender and golden. Meanwhile, warm the remaining olive oil and capers over medium heat. In a large serving bowl, toss cauliflower, warm caper oil, lemon juice, raisins, and pine nuts. Season with additional salt, pepper and lemon juice, if needed. Serves 6.

Helpful Tips: Cauliflower can also be separated into florets instead of slicing.

 

side dish, vegetable capers, cauliflower, Christmas, grief, holiday, lemon, loss, olive oil, pine nuts, Sicilian

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. vcallaghan says

    December 9, 2013 at 10:41 am

    Beautiful story as always!

    • lisakeys64 says

      December 9, 2013 at 10:58 am

      Thank you

  2. Louis Matino (@LouMatino) says

    December 9, 2013 at 10:44 am

    Your mom would have covered that healthy cauliflower recipe with American cheese!

    • lisakeys64 says

      December 9, 2013 at 10:59 am

      not just any cheese–those yellow Kraft American singles–it is a miracle I can cook anything (LOL)

  3. Marcie Z says

    December 9, 2013 at 11:12 am

    Beautiful….and tasty.
    XO

    • lisakeys64 says

      December 9, 2013 at 11:27 am

      Thanks, Marzipanzip–I love your name

  4. Mary Louise says

    December 9, 2013 at 1:07 pm

    As always, such a wonderful blog comes from your heart to touch all of us! Thank you Lisa and in the words of Tiny Tim — “God Bless Us All.”

    • lisakeys64 says

      December 9, 2013 at 1:10 pm

      Thank you, Mary Louise. And blessings for a happy and healthy 2014

  5. Sallie Smith says

    December 9, 2013 at 3:51 pm

    So incredible!

    • lisakeys64 says

      December 9, 2013 at 4:53 pm

      Thanks, Sallie

  6. Carol Walsh says

    December 9, 2013 at 5:45 pm

    Beautiful story, beautiful mom and beautiful daughter! Oh, and the recipe looks great too! 🙂

    • lisakeys64 says

      December 9, 2013 at 6:54 pm

      thank you x4

  7. Catherine Wilkinson says

    December 9, 2013 at 6:16 pm

    I’m making this tonight! I had a head of cauliflower that was in danger of going south, so…..can’t wait!

    • lisakeys64 says

      December 9, 2013 at 6:53 pm

      get that cauliflower with some nice browned edges—trying for that salty, sweet, sour, bitter balance

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Mom, wife, retired physician assistant and multi award winning home cook including Food Network CHOPPED CHAMPION

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