Creamy Cauliflower Soup with Bacon & Jalapeno

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Creamy Cauliflower Soup with Bacon & Jalapeno

SOUP THAT WILL WARM YOU STOMACH…

AND YOUR IMMORTAL SOUL

Against my better judgement and solely for the sake of sending my body into a fat burning frenzy, I've been in phase 1 of Atkins world.

Cheese, bacon, fat, cream and  (vegetables in moderation) is only fun for about 12 hours.   I've never fantasized more about fruit and nuts in my life..  So, with this said, I introduce this creamy cauliflower soup that has all the tools needed for Atkins, phase 1.  Or, if you love comfort food, this soup is for you.. You can also make easy substitutions to make it a healthy choice...  Sub olive oil for butter, omit the bacon fat and use greek yogurt and chicken stock in place of the cream.   Additionally, I think this is a great kid friendly soup, as long as you don't overdo it with the jalapenos..  I personally like to put jalapenos in anything I can because of it's awesome health benefits and it speeds up your metabolism.  My 16 year old daughter eats jalapenos raw..  I'm so proud.

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Let's face it, this isn't a health food recipe.

 Although, there are things we can do to soften the blow.

 I start with Trader Joes, uncured bacon "pieces". (and you can skip the step where I scrape the fat into the pan and saute the vegetables in it)  Since we are just going to chop it up, pretty & neat strips are unnecessary.   Choose organic vegetables and always try to use grass fed butter and dairy products.  

In another few days, this clear betrayal that I've put my body through, will be complete and I'll be back on the fruit, nuts and greek yogurt.  But until then, bring on the fat..  Here's how you do it.. 

Ingredients..

• I head of cauliflower

• 1 jalapeno pepper chopped

• 1 cup chopped leek

• 2 tablespoons of butter

• 1/2 lb cooked bacon (save the bacon fat)

• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese

• approximately 2 cups of water

• 1 cup of heavy cream or 1/2 & 1/2

• Salt & Pepper to taste

INSTRUCTIONS:

1.  Cook your bacon until crisp.

2. Saute the jalapeno in leek in the butter and remaining bacon fat until tender.

3. Add cauliflower, water & bacon pieces.  Cover and simmer until cauliflower is soft.

4. Add cheddar & cream and puree.  I use an immersion blender but a standard countertop blender will suffice as well.

5.  Salt & Pepper to taste..

...Garnish with hot pepper flakes and sliced avocado!

#atkins #kidfriendly #cauliflower

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All Done!

Fresh and made with love - right from your very own kitchen.

Good job! 😋

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Crunchy Nut and Date Paleo Bars

Make your own: Crunchy Nut and Date Paleo Bars - By Corner of Yum

Paleo has been a wonderful way for me to stay healthy and fit…

However…

I'll preface by saying, eat these yummy little babies in moderation.  Though these are a paleo, gluten free whole food, and you won't be able to stop eating them... do.

Yum, yum.. YUM!  

Wholesome, real foods that will make you smile

The dates and VT maple syrup in this recipe makes you think you're eating a candy bar - the kids will love them..  So, here goes - 

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Keep reading and while you’re at it, break out your almond butter, honey, coconut oil.. and the rest of it and get cookin’! 😋

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Ingredients for Crunchy Nut and Date Paleo Bars - Corner of Yum

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients

• 1/2 c almond butter

• 1/3 c honey

• 1/2 c coconut oil

• 2 c unsweetened coconut

• 3/4 c almonds

• 1/2 c pecans

• 1/2 c chopped dates

• pinch of salt

• 1/2 tsp vanilla 

• 1 tbsp real maple syrup

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Before the oven - Crunchy Nut and Date Paleo Bars - Corner of Yum

Instructions

Got you stuff together? Alright, let’s go!

Follow these instructions below to get your paleo on:

1. In a saucepan, heat your almond butter, honey, maple & coconut oil until smooth.

2. Chop your nuts

3. Combine all ingredients to the wet mixture and stir until combined

4. Press into a parchment lined baking sheet and chill for one hour.  

5. Cut into squares and devour

6. (best kept chilled)

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All Done!

Fresh and made with love - right from your very own kitchen.

Good job! 😋

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Enter Fall...

Starting Fresh

In Cape Cod, Massachusetts

After spending a summer on Great Island, it is indeed, pretty wonderful…

Every day the landscape changes.  The sky is different - the waves are different and the smells are different.  I'm not sure after many years of living here, there will be enough room for all the shells we collect.  Each time I go out to explore, watch the sunset or put my feet in the water, everything feels new - it's pretty amazing.  

New Creations, New horizons

When I was starting out in Vermont…

My claim to fame was my stuffed cupcakes.

I made a bunch of cupcakes for some parties here on the island this summer and they went over very well..  However, after making some mini pies for one party and then two.. and then three, pie took center stage.   It gave me some new ideas on where to take this new venture.   

On Great Island, we have what is called, "The Beach Club"…

Lunch is served 6 days a week from 11:30 to 2 pm by our own Chef Ernst, who dishes out an inventive menu daily.

It's a place where mostly everyone on the island meets up before heading out to the beach.

This spot has the most amazing view from it's deck, overlooking beach grass and the ocean, under expansive umbrellas imported from Italy.  The Beach Club closes the day after Labor Day and remains closed until next Summer..  I've been given permission to use this kitchen, so that I can begin to rebuild a new business in the Cape.  Summer is about over and it's time to get down to business -  What's next?  Beach Club Babies?   Petite desserts for catered events?  The wedding trade?   Farmer's Markets?

I’m excited to see what the future holds in this new and different place.

Looking forward to meeting and cooking for you all!

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KEEP UP WITH OUR NEW CREATIONS AND RECIPES!

Need food delivered? Call Us! Fresh and made with love - Delivered fast and fresh straight to you!

Looking forward to helping with recipes and cooking for you all soon!

Love, Carole @CornerofYum 😋

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A New Chapter

In people’s lives, our very own “book” or story is always subject to changes of script…

Well, can you believe it?

VT to CC - Cape Cod, that is.

Well, not exactly…

Actually, the magical destination we are moving to next is called Great Island.  It's technically a peninsula just off of West Yarmouth but it's very islandy, as it is surrounded by ocean, chattering sea creatures and sand, lots and lots of sand.  Really, this is a dream come true for me, being a California girl.  The mountains and dirt roads aren't so much my bag.   Not to mention the fact that the nearest Target requires a toll and 2.5 hours from home.  Don't even get me started on the location of the nearest Whole Foods.  Enough of my spoiled ranting - let's talk about what I'll do next.   Next, after I have basked in the sun and become golden and found all the best margaritas in town, not to mention the best enchiladas and where they sell pork dumplings and would never dream of serving generic Sriracha... I'll search far and wide for the best pilates studio and maybe I'll finally try hot yoga!   I'm sure I'll be on the Paleo diet, give up gluten, and then get fed up and search out a burger that has just the right amount beef to condiment to vegetable ratio and maybe even think about opening my own burger joint, for just one moment and then it will surely pass.   Too many burgers grilling at 6 different temperatures just seems like it might be stressful.  

sigh.

Deep breaths... only three weeks to go and I can barely stand it.  I wait in breathless anticipation, as I pack our home and search daily for things I've already boxed, labeled and sent away..  The memories of my last hug from Bubbie, the fiddler crabs and windy beach keep me going until next time.  

20 more days - I can do it.

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