Friday Night Bites | Cauliflower Buffalo Wings

Hubby and I aren't really sports fans.  We don’t typically sit home on Sundays to watch a football game.  We are probably in the minority when it comes to being sports fans; however last weekend with the San Francisco 49’s in contention for heading to the super bowl; our sports fanatic side came out for a day. Smile. Of course we wanted to see if the Bay Area team would be represented in one of the biggest sports day of the year.  Sorry to all Falcon fans for your loss; however super happy that our local team is heading to New Orleans to give it all they’ve got. Go niners!

We enjoy going to a super bowl party though.  With any super bowl party, the next best thing to watching the game is of course the food.  Now I can always get into the food at a super bowl party along with the socializing factor.  Smile.  Recently while browsing Pinterest, I came across this recipe for Cauliflower Buffalo Wings – it simply fascinated me.  I am not much of a chicken wings person, but the idea of a healthier version without the traditional wing component, was something worth trying.

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Anything with a spicy side and blue cheese is a touchdown with me.  No pun intended - just couldn’t resist.  Smile.  I altered the recipe by using whole wheat flour, more garlic and less hot sauce and making my personal favorite Blue Cheese Recipe.  The result was a fairly healthy - I stress “fairly healthy” appetizer.  I think this would be a great option for all of you who want a tasty and unique appetizer for the upcoming super bowl festivities.

Cauliflower Buffalo Wings

1 Head Cauliflower

1 Cup Milk

¾ Cup Whole Wheat Flour

1 Tablespoon Garlic Powder

1 Tablespoon Butter

½ Cup Frank’s Red Hot Sauce

½ Cup Blue Cheese Dressing

Preheat oven to 450 Degrees.

Trim the head of cauliflower into appetizer sized bites and set aside.

In a bowl stir together milk, flour and garlic powder.  Dip each piece of cauliflower into the batter and allow the extra batter to drip off.  Place on a greased baking sheet.  Spray the tops of the florets with cooking oil.  Bake for 18 minutes. 

Melt the butter in a saucepan over low heat and add the Frank’s hot sauce and stir.  Toss cooked cauliflower pieces with the sauce.  Put back on cookie sheet and bake for 5 to 7 more minutes in the oven.  Remove and serve with a side of Blue Cheese Dressing.

Adapted from:  An Edible Mosaic

Blue Cheese Dressing

½ C. Maytag Blue Cheese
½ C. English Stilton
1 C. Buttermilk
2 T. Olive Oil
1 T. Fresh Lemon Juice
1 T. Worcestershire Sauce
½ t. Garlic Powder
¼ t. Salt
6 to 8 Grinds of Fresh Pepper

Let both cheeses come to room temperature. In a medium bowl add the room temperature cheese and smash with a spoon until semi smooth with a few chunks. Add the remaining ingredients. Stir together until combined. Transfer to a container with a tight seal and refrigerate until ready to use.