Low Carbing it for a bit...

Sigh, I used to be thinner.... I really was thinner!!  In fact, some might say I looked really 'hot' and 'good' for a 36 year old chubby woman (insert snort), but I worked out every morning at 4:30, followed a low carb diet, and it showed! It was the healthiest I had ever been and I was proud of myself.

Then I met Dave.... he likes ice cream, chips, and all types of various carbs if you didn't know.  Fast forward, five years...OMG!!!  Now, he is NOT the reason I have gained 30 pounds (yes, I admit it), the simple reason is I freaking love food! I love to cook, bake and then I like to sample it all... then there's the affection I have for craft beer and sweet wine. So I still work out, but not at 4:30 AM- the Dave and I be a'snugglin then (actually dead to the world is a better description). 

So every now and then, I try to lower my carb intake to drop a few.  I found this recipe and amazingly, I had never tried this cauliflower for potato exchange in low carb dieting before.  How nutty is that?  I have now fallen in love with it!  So easy and so awesome! 

This is a low carb or a low fat option-- depending on what you are donig but it is fantastic just the same.

Loaded Baked Cauliflower Casserole

1 head of cauliflower (medium)
1 small onion
2 cloves garlic, pressed
1 package cream cheese
8 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
4 tbsp heavy cream
6 ounces sharp cheddar cheese
Garlic salt to taste
1 tsp crushed red pepper

 preheat oven to 350*

1.  Boil cauliflower as you cook bacon ( I baked mine!).  When done, drain and mash the cauliflower up a bit-depends on how big you want it!  Crumble bacon. 
2.  Mix the cream cheese, 6 oz cheddar, onion, bacon, cream, and seasonings- add warm cauliflower and mix well.  Pour into a greased casserole dish.  Add extra cheddar cheese on top
3. Bake covered for 25 minutes; then bake uncovered for 5-10 minutes more. Broil the last couple of minutes. 

As stated, this was the low carb option, but I will test the lower fat version at a later date.  I had this for lunch two days, and it was really very good heated up.  Even Dave did not detest this recipe.  Although, it's not his favorite- he's such a meat and potatoes guy!  Definitely a Belinda approved recipe, and Dave OK'ed one!