One of those days... and a new recipe for Cauliflower 'Rice"

Today was just one of those days.  I woke up determined to have a better day than yesterday and positive I was feeling slightly better than I did yesterday.  I made breakfast and enjoyed it but my stomach decided to revolt for the second day in a row and I spent most if the morning sitting on the couch and making sure it didn't get up and walk away.  I had put off my driving the half hour to the dealership for waaaayyyyy too long and I had finally scheduled that appointment for today.  So after my morning of moping, I headed up to the MINI dealership.  When you drive a MINI you learn quickly that if you don't get your car serviced by a dealer you will live to regret it.  I have learned this lesson OVER and Over and OVER...  so today I spent 4 hours relaxing in the dealership.  I took pictures but trust me when I say nobody, myself included, wants to see them.  I actually never want to see the inside of that  place again.  It's only fun for the first 2 hours!

When I finally got home from my waste of a day (I did manage to walk 5,000 steps while pacing for all of that time) I had to rush to get ready for TRANS'form' where I swear I performed a workout I could never have done 5 weeks ago.  I am amazed every week at the progress that not just I make, but that my classmates have made too.  It's so inspiring to see the changes in all of us.  I must say that the biggest change I have seen is the confidence we all exude.  I think our trainer must get a huge rush out of graduating all of us after 12 weeks knowing we are totally different inside and out.  Hell...  I'm half way through and I am so proud of myself and everyone else.  It's kind of amazing!

When I got home I was supposed to run 2 miles since my day didn't really allow me to get it in BEFORE class.  I try really hard to run before because I am usually so exhausted I beg it off instead of heading straight out.  Instead of running I sat on the couch... and then I sat on the couch and sat on the couch some more.  I did this until Danger reminded me that he had not eaten dinner.  Feeding the kid took precedence over my plan to remain on the couch until bedtime and it also reminded me that I was hungry too.  I quickly threw together a chicken quesadilla for Danger using last night's left over grilled boneless chicken thighs.  I marinated them in lime juice, honey and garlic so they were mildly flavored and worked well with the giant pile of cheese and carb balance whole wheat tortillas I used!  He pretty much devoured it in 3 bites.  Mission accomplished...  for Danger anyway.

After having a nerve wrecking day, I wanted something quick, easy AND comforting.  My go to comfort foods are usually terrible for me and I knew I had to make a healthy choice so take out was not an option.  There were a few chicken thighs left and I had half a very large head of cauliflower left over from my experiment last night so I decided to test out a thought I had been brewing  all day.  It was so good, it would be sinful not to share this easy recipe!!  Enter Cauliflower 'RICE':

Chicken Cauliflower Fried 'RICE' :
Makes 4 servings
Ingredients:  

1 small to medium head of cauliflower
2T of low sodium Soy Sauce
1 bell Pepper (any color, I chose red), chopped
1 cup white onion, chopped
1 cup mushrooms, chopped
1 cup zucchini, chopped
2 tsp coconut oil
3 boneless skinless chicken thighs, grilled and then chopped
Ground Black pepper, to taste
Ground Cayenne Pepper, to taste
4 egg whites
1 whole egg   

Process:   

First, you need to grate the head of the cauliflower.  If you have a food processor, I recommend cutting the head up into florets and then in 3-4 batches pulsing in the food processor.  Careful not to create a mush by doing this too much.  Think the consistency of rice.  If, like me, your food processor decides to die after the first batch, pull out your box grater and let them fun begin!  (this took forever and I swear it was worth the effort)

 In a LARGE skillet (seriously, the biggest one you've got) melt the coconut oil and allow to heat up for about one minute.  Add in the chopped bell pepper, mushrooms, zucchini and onion and cook until soft.  Add the grated cauliflower and cook for 5 minutes, stirring obsessively constantly.  When the 'rice' appears golden, push it all to one side of the skillet.   

 NOTE:  If you want a simple 'rice pilaf' stop here and serve!



 















In a separate bowl, combine the egg whites with the egg and whisk together until completely blended.  pour into the empty side of the skillet and scramble the egg mixture.  Once fully scrambled, combine your 'rice' mixture with the egg scramble, making sure to evenly distribute it throughout the pan.  add the soy sauce and the chicken and cook for 5 more minutes.


This can be served hot or cold and as an entree or a side dish.  If you are using it as an entree you can increase both the egg or the amount of chicken for more protein.  The major difference between this dish and the real thing is that this one does not leave you hungry 25 minutes after you finish it!

 

 Have you ever tried to make the healthiest version of your favorite food?  What was it and how did it turn out?