I really need to get myself to a farmer's market. You'd think that me, the foodie that I am, living in rural New Jersey, I would be at a market every week. Well, that's not the case. I have been to a farmer's market twice(?) in my life. Both times were at the same market and once was with a friend and her mother, the second was with my dad. But this market has very minimal items and i was never impressed. Only one or two farmers, and the rest of the few stands were cheese, baked goods, and random other things that really would interest no one.
I know there are other markets in my area. They aren't exactly close, but they sound like they would have better options. I really need to step up my "buy-local in-season" game and force one of my parents to bring me. (I would go myself...but they have the money!). So where to I get my produce? I stock up every week at my lame grocery store. Gotta do whatcha gotta do. The selection there isn't so grand either, but once in a while they will get a new interesting piece. But when I really want to try something fun, I get a little help from my dear friends at Frieda's!
Once in a while they will ask me to put together a list of some produce and they send me a box full of goodies. With my most recent box, I requested some cauliflower. What arrived was a beautiful huge (very big!) head of yellow cauliflower! So yummy, but what to do with it? Now I love steaming veggies or keeping them raw. And of course roasting, but I wanted to do something a little different. Plus I had a random bag of Shirataki Fettucchini noodles sitting in the pantry. So what did I come up with? Nut-Free vegan mac n- cheeze!
Instead of using cashews like many vegan mac n- cheezes do, I used cauliflower and nutritional yeast! I had no idea how this would taste, but you know what they say, "go cauli-crazy or go home"...or something like that. At least this would be completely allergy friendly. Even my no nuts friends can enjoy it. I'm tellin' you, you can make everything allergy friendly...and taste good too!
Nut-Free Vegan Mac n' Cheeze
Ingredients: (serves 1, easily multiplied)
+ ¾ Cup Yellow Cauliflower
+ 1 Package of Shirataki Noodles (or serving of other long GF pasta)
+ 3 TB Nutritional Yeast
+ ¼ Tsp Garlic Powder
+ 1 Chopped Cipolline Onion
+ ¼ Tsp Paprika (optional)
+ Dash of Cracked White Pepper
+ ½ Tsp Dijon Mustard
+ ¼ Cup Frozen Peas
+ Parsley (for topping)
Directions:
+ In a microwave safe bowl, add the ¾ cup of chopped cauliflower with ¼ cup water. Microwave on high for 2 minutes. Safe 2 TB of hot liquid.
+ In a food processor, add the steamed cauliflower, 2 TB of liquid, nutritional yeast, garlic, onion, paprika, and pepper. Puree until you get a pretty smooth sauce.
+ In a small pot, add the shirataki noodles (rinsed under cold water), cauliflower sauce, dijon, and peas. Cover the pot and heat on medium for about 5 minutes. Stir and let sit for 3 minutes. Transfer to a bowl, top with parsley, and dig in!
There you go. Innovative use of pretty produce! Allergy-free and o so healthy. No excuse me while I go look up some local farmer's markets to go to. I am just so embarrassed that I don't go...I mean really. Me? It's crazy stuff! However, I have heard from multiple people that there are some great markets down in DC. You know where I will be headed every weekend first thing! 😉
So tell me:
+ Do you go to farmer's markets every week? Once in a while? Or not at all?
+ Do you stick to the same produce every week or do you like to get innovative and switch things up?
+ Any cool veggie uses you have come up with lately? Do share!
*Recipe linking up for the week! WIAW, Allergy Free Wednesdays, #RecipeFridays, #RecipeOfTheWeek, #StrangeButGood, Gluten-Free Wednesdays, Real Food Friday, Gluten-Free Fridays, Tasty Tuesdays, Savoring Saturdays, Healthy Vegan Fridays, #Foodie Friday, Real Food Recipe Roundup, Gluten-Free Tuesdays, Tasty Tuesdays!*
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Lisa @ Pebbles & Piggytails
I want to feature this at this weekend's Saturday dishes! Looks delish! Thanks for linking up again.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Well thank you Lisa!
Honest Mum
Delicious! I don't eat nuts so perfect for me! Thanks for linking up to #tastytuesdays
Strength and Sunshine
It is perfect then! Thanks love 🙂
Caroline Hooper (My Family Ties)
That sounds so delicious, I am definitely going to try this out on my family, thank you 🙂 x
Strength and Sunshine
Awesome! Let me know how everyone likes it 😉
Diane (@SimpleLivingEat)
This will be great for my nut allergy daughter and my lactose intolerant son... pinning.
Strength and Sunshine
Perfect! Glad it totally works for your family 🙂
rockmyvegansocks
I don't think I could live without my Farmer's Market... but before moving here, I was in the same boat as you.
What a creative way of making mac n' cheeze! I'm super impressed. I assumed it would be sunflower (as that's a seed rather than a nut), but cauliflower also lends it's creamy talents. Nice!
Thanks for sharing at Healthy Vegan Fridays! I have pinned this awesome recipe on our Pinterest Board.
Strength and Sunshine
It's sad not being able to go to one 🙁
Haha, yea! Completely veggie-full! Thanks love 🙂
Audrey @ Gluten-Free Vegan Love
Loving this recipe. It’s so simple it’s genius! 🙂
Strength and Sunshine
Haha, thank you Audrey! The idea/craving hit and I had some cauliflower and nooch and then bam!
Stephanie
This looks so good! Thank you so much for linking up at Tasty Tuesday! Your recipe has been pinned to the Tasty Tuesday Pinterest board! Please join us again this week!
Strength and Sunshine
Thanks as always Steph!
Becky | Spirited Puddle Jumper
Another recipe bookmarked for my dairy-free family- thank you! Will definitely be trying 🙂 #tastytuesdays
Strength and Sunshine
Awesome Becky! I hope you like it 🙂
GiselleR
Great recipe! I've been slowly weaning myself off of diary and have been missing my mac n' cheese. Pinning this! Thanks for sharing 🙂
#SITSBlogging
Strength and Sunshine
Haha, well than this is the perfect healthy solution! 🙂
organic4greenlivings
Great recipe – sounds delicious and I love the idea of using cauliflower instead of nuts. Thanks for sharing on Real Food Fridays Blog Hop!
Strength and Sunshine
Thanks Marla! Hope you get to give it a try sometime 🙂
Kierston
Must go to Farmer's Market! I haven't been yet!
Strength and Sunshine
Yes! One of my goals before the end of summer!
shashi @ http://runninsrilankan.com
I am always looking for healthier versions of mac n cheese and this sounds divine! Love the cauliflower in it!
Strength and Sunshine
Thanks love! It is totally 100% healthy, nourishing, and delicious 😉
HonestMum (@HonestMummy)
Looks delicious!
Strength and Sunshine
Thanks girl 🙂
KC the Kitchen Chopper
On my "to do" list and pinned it to make sure. We love cauliflower and this mac n Cheese looks awesome. New fan via #RealFoodFriday! nice to meet you.
Strength and Sunshine
Thanks love! Combines the two is a win win then 😉
nourishbymelissa
omg!! Perfect! I've had a vegan mac and cheese recipe (using cashews) in my "must try" list forever now but I haven't been able to get myself to splurge on the large amount of oh so expensive cashews needed for the recipe. SO glad to see this alternative (especially since cauliflower was on sale this week! woo!) Trying this either tonight or tomorrow 🙂
Strength and Sunshine
Awesome! I can't wait to hear how it turns out for you 🙂
Cashews are my life and they aren't expensive in bulk at my grocery so I am always loaded up on them, but I wanted to do something different than the usually vegan mac!
GiGi Eats Celebrities
You're so crazy creative! HOT DAMN!! I gotta try this! 🙂
And girl, I live RIGHT AROUND THE BEND from the best Farmer's Market in the world (exaggerating? maybe, lol) but it's an epic market in Hollywood.. And I have only been ONCE! WTF is wrong with me! I gotta go this Sunday... Yeah, I have been saying that for the past 2 Sundays! LOL!
Strength and Sunshine
Thank you 😉
YES you have to go NOW! Do it for ME and all us sad folk who don't have the blessing 🙁
Coombe Mill
That sounds like a huge challenge, well done on a creative recipe #TastyTuesday
Strength and Sunshine
Haha, not a challenge at all! Super easy and fun to make!
Anne
It always feels silly, but it is much easier to get to farmer's markets here in New York City. I lived in NJ at one point, and would actually leave the Garden State to come into Manhattan and go to Greenmarket at Union Square! (My old neighborhood *does* have a decent market, now - but that started around the time I left.)
Strength and Sunshine
It's so weird! You would think NJ would have tons, especially where I live...but that is just not the case!
debi
Not only pretty, but I bet it's super yummy too! I love it! Pinning for later. Thanks!
Strength and Sunshine
Thank you so much Debi 🙂
Casey @ Casey the College Celiac
I go to the farmer's market every once in a while, but not nearly as often as I should. I usually stick to the same produce. Boring smooring until I figure out if any veggies are causing my itching/stomach issues. Looks delicious though! I'll totally try it sometime soon! 🙂
Strength and Sunshine
I try to branch out and try at least one new veggie every time I find one, but yea, I usually stick to my favorites!
vegetarianmamma
YUM and I love its NUT FREE! 🙂
Strength and Sunshine
Me too! No anyone can eat it!
Kaylin @ Enticing Healthy Eating
Wow, very creative! I need to try this. Thank you!
Strength and Sunshine
I try to get as creative and healthy as possible 😉
avocadoathlete
Love this! Will definitely have to try. As an high carb, low fat vegan, a lower fat mac and cheese option is a win.
Strength and Sunshine
Awesome! Let me know if you do 🙂 I would love to hear how it turns out!
Leigha
Oh my gosh this looks fantastic!! I haven't tried vegan mac&cheese yet. Got to do that soon. And girl, get yourself to a farmers market! I only have one in my town every Monday and it's just like yours - 2 farmers, the rest baked goods and junk I don't want, haha!
Strength and Sunshine
Make some!
We have a bunch of small farmers that have signs for like strawberries, peaches, and stuff like that but now good actual markets!
Emily @ Zen & Spice
I've been wanting to check out my farmer's market for years. But somehow I just can't bring myself to get up early on a Saturday morning to go!
Strength and Sunshine
Haha, it may just be worth it! You might find something amazing!
getmyhealthyon
Oo! That recipe is intriguing! And as weird as it may sound, I've never even seen yellow cauliflower before. I love going to farmer's markets, but my wallet isn't the biggest fan. I also need to buy more stuff in season though. 🙂
Strength and Sunshine
Cauliflower in any color is awesome! Like purple and green! It makes things so much more fun 😛
Markets can be expensive, but since it's all local it makes me feel good about it...maybe, haha!
Kris
I try to get to farmers markets when I can but, honestly, I tend to lean towards supermarkets as they're cheaper and have a bigger supply of organic produce...I don't know, maybe I should rethink my priorities.
I try to switch things up, but there's only a finite number of veggies out there! I think I need to start experimenting with things like broccoli rabe, fennel, burdock...the more 'unique' ones 🙂
Have a great Wednesday! 🙂
Strength and Sunshine
You know whats a great veggie to try? Daikon! Its an awesome Asian veggie, crunchy, crisp, and perfect for salads!
Kris
Ooo, I'll have to try that! Thanks for the suggestion 🙂
ALSO--I'm looking for a really good political thriller to read next. Might you have any suggestions? (I think I remember you saying how much you liked thrillers!)
Strength and Sunshine
Omg yes! I'll email you some later!
Francesca
OMG So good!! Must try, thanks 🙂
Strength and Sunshine
Haha, thank you Francesca, let me know if you do!
little chickadee
This is so interesting!! I feel you with the lame farmers markets, I have a subpar one right by me that's always disappointing 🙁 But I do love using a spiralizer to making "spaghetti" out of zucchini and squash noodles (zoodles!)
Strength and Sunshine
Zoodlee are the best! I'm so glad I got a spiralizer! I always buy gallons of zucchini every week...from the grocery...but its one of my favorite veggies!
Kaila @healthyhelperblog!
Loving adding peas to mac and cheese! Perfect addition!
Strength and Sunshine
It is the best!!!
Miss Polkadot
Isn't cauliflower the secret star of the vegetable world?! I posted a recipe for vegan and gluten-free Cauliflower Nuggets last week and feel I've used this unassuming white vegetable in a million different ways before, too.
Farmers' Markets are amazing but I wish the ones around here were happening at more working crowd-friendly times. 8 AM to 1 PM on a weekday?! That's just not cool. So If I could I'd go every week but it's not in the cards when I'm working.
Strength and Sunshine
Ah! I love that recipe you posted! It sounds and looks fabulous 😉 I had to go a long time not eating veggies likes cauli and broccoli because they hurt my tummy to much, but I have slowly been able to enjoy their loveliness again!
I think we need to start a petition to make Farmer's Markets more user friendly, haha!
Miss Polkadot
Absolutely - and it has to be international! Where do I sign??!
About the vegetables: I know some people eat broccoli and cauliflower raw but I can't. Cooked they're fine with me unless I overdo it.
Strength and Sunshine
Yes same here! I still have to watch and be so careful with my sensitive tummy 😛
Tina Muir
I loooooovvve farmers markets, that is one thing I am so grateful for in Michigan...they are every week, and I know a lot of the farmers by now.
One question Rebecca, as I am confused.....did you miss the cheese off the recipe? I know you would be using a dairy free cheese, but I can't see any cheese on the ingredients list....sorry if I missed it, but I just wanted to let you know in case.
Strength and Sunshine
I wish! I think I would live at a farmer's market if I could. Maybe I should just become a farmer 😛
Hahahahahaha! Tina! The "cheeze" is the vegan cheeze sauce made from the cauliflower and nutritional yeast! Haha! It's vegan and nut-free and uses only real ingredients 😛 Nutritional yeast mimics the nutty cheezy flavor that all vegans grow to love!
Linz
i haven't been to the farmer's market in months!! i need to change that but going to a busy market with the baby scares me. and umm i love adding peas to mac and cheese!!
Strength and Sunshine
I'm sure William would love the farmer's market 😉 Haha!
You know what I forgot to add to this? Ketchup! Peas, mac n' cheeze, and ketchup is like the best combo!
Carla
OOH this is a great idea!!!!!
Strength and Sunshine
Thank you Carla 😉
Nicole LaBonde
When I lived in Philly, I wend to farmer's markets ALL the time. Since I moved to Miami, not so much. They are few and far between. But I want to!
This recipe looks amazing! I'm going to try it!
Strength and Sunshine
It definitely depends on where you live! Some cities have great markets, others not so much! I'm glad to here DC will though! I am so pumped!
Thank you 😉
Dawn Robinson (@dawnro1101)
We have a market close by but the hours make it difficult for me to get out there.
I"ve tried the Shirataki noodles before but was not a fan but this recipe looks pretty good and maybe I should give it another try. Maybe the problem was the soy sauce I tried to add to it.
Strength and Sunshine
Same here! The one market that I have go to is only open one day for a short amount of time that just isn't convenient :/
Feel free to use any other noodles! Shirataki can be strange, but I had them on hand, so why not put them to use!