Mashed Cauliflower with Roasted Red Pepper, Chives and Goat Cheese

This is the second time that I have made mashed cauliflower, I think it is an excellent substitute for mashed potatoes if you are trying to eat low carb or even if you're just trying to eat healthier. The mix-in possibilities are endless with this recipe -- I chose these flavors because they all go really well together and the goat cheese helps to make the mashed cauliflower even creamier.

A Vegetarian & Cooking! original.

Ingredients:
-1/2 head of cauliflower, cut into florets
-1/4 cup of milk
-2 tablespoons of butter
-3-4 tablespoons of chives, minced
-1/2 jar of roasted red peppers, diced
-1 small log of herbed goat cheese
-Salt and pepper

Boil water in a large pot, cook the cauliflower until fork-tender. Drain and return to the pot. Using a potato masher or a mixer, turn the cauliflower florets into a mash. Stir in the butter and milk to help with that process. Using a spoon, stir in the chives, roasted red peppers and goat cheese. Season to taste. 

Serve with any meal.

I thought this turned out really well -- the mashed cauliflower was not as stiff as it was last time I made it. So, you wouldn't end up with peaks like you have with mashed potatoes, but I think that only using half a head of cauliflower contributed to that. Last time I made a similar recipe, I used a whole head of cauliflower, so there was more vegetable to work with. I thought the mix-ins added a great amount of flavor and this is something that I would make again as a side dish.