Loaded Cauliflower Mash

I'm currently obsessed with cauliflower being used as a substitute for rich white carbs, there's so much you can do with it that tastes good and cuts out so many calories from some of your favorite dishes. Cauliflower itself is really bland, but that's why it makes a great base to healthier dishes, it takes on the flavor of whatever you mix with it so easily! When I make dishes like this I try not to look at it like "mashed potatoes" because that sets your taste buds up for disappointment. Instead I try to look at it like really, and I mean really delicious cauliflower. I made this for the first time tonight and it will not be my last - the boys in my family even went for seconds! 

You will need:

• 1 medium/large head of cauliflower
• 4 cloves garlic
• 1/2 cup milk (2% to cut calories)
• 1/4 light sour cream
• 1tbsp butter
• 3 strips turkey bacon
• 3/4 cup reduced fat 2% milk shredded cheese (I used a cheddar blend)
• 2-3 tablespoons chives
• Salt & Pepper to taste

Makes 4 servings - 180 calories each. 

Directions:

• Preheat oven to 350'. 
• Start boiling water in a large pot. 

• While water is boiling chop cauliflower into florets and get out your garlic. Add to water once boiling. 

• While cauliflower is boiling fry up 3 slices turkey bacon in a frying pan. I rip the slices into thirds or fourths so they fry up quicker. Once crisp set aside. 

• Drain softened cauliflower and garlic and add back to sauce pan. 
• Add butter, milk, sour cream and turn heat to high to allow all ingredients melt. Use an immersion blender to whip into a creamy mixture. (If you don't have a hand/immersion blender you could use a food processor, blender, or just a potato masher to get similar results!)

• Add salt & pepper, about a tsp each to taste and stir in. 

• Transfer the cauliflower mash to an oven safe dish. 

• Chop up your chives and cooked turkey bacon. 
• Sprinkle on the cheese in an even layer and then add the chives & turkey bacon. 
• Bake 5-10 minutes. 

Enjoy!