cauliflower Archives -

Goodness it’s already been several weeks already since my last post. The extra quietness has been something I’ve needed as I continue to struggle with what I think must be lingering post-concussion symptoms. I usually consider myself relatively stable emotionally, but there’s been a change in me over these past couple of weeks. My days have been filled with unexpected mood swings where I feel fine one moment and then in utter despair the next. The smallest things can set me off, and I hardly know what to do with myself. You can imagine how the rest of the family feels. I’ve spent some time reading about how and why concussions sometimes lead to emotional instability, anxiety, and depression, and while I prefer not to blame the concussion, I cannot think of another explanation for my sudden irritability. This has forced me to be more deliberate with slowing down, reflecting on what triggers anxiety and anger, and to face my limitations.

Cauliflower has been a long time point of difference between me and Ryan, but I finally won him over with this one. Golden roasted garlicky cauliflower, nutty farro, and salty pecorino with a scattering of crisp pancetta bits, fried parsley, and toasted pine nuts. He loved it just as much as I did. When the pecorino is sprinkled over the cauliflower during the last few minutes of roasting, don’t worry too much about keeping all of the cheese on the cauliflower. The inevitable portion that lands on the hot pan will begin to brown and crisp, and it’s one of the best parts as it’s swept in with the rest of the dish.

Cauliflower Kale Tabbouleh

Pecorino Roasted Cauliflower with Farro and Crispy Pancetta