Over the past few years I’ve become a huge fan of all things hot and spicy.
Not quite sure what in my brain made the switch from mild to wild, but as I age I enjoy feeling the burn from something other than a hot flash!
When I was assigned to the blog: Life and Kitchen for this month’s Secret Recipe Club I had a hard time choosing from all of Lindsay’s marvelous looking recipes. This was the first time I had ever visited Lindsay’s blog and I was completely impressed with her skills in the kitchen. From her writing to photography to Lindsay’s vast selection of mouthwatering recipes, I was hooked. I’ve since added Lindsay’s blog to my own bloglovin’ reading list and look forward to her each and every post.
The one recipe I finally settled on was Lindsay’s Vegetarian Buffalo Poppers.
I felt that this recipe was a good way for me to get my heat on and yet not feel too terribly guilty because cauliflower takes the place of those nasty chicken wings (I really don’t mean nasty, I love them too, but sometimes you just have to chew the right thing)!
BUFFALO CAULIFLOWER WITH BLUE CHEESE DIP {PRINT THIS RECIPE}
For the cauliflower
1 large head of cauliflower, cut into 2″ – 3″ florets
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup cornstarch
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon fresh cracked black pepper
8 ounces beer
1/4 cup Frank’s hot sauce
2 tablespoons butter
For the blue cheese dip
1/2 cup mayonnaise
3 tablespoons Greek yogurt
1/4 cup half and half
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder
2-3 ounces Gorgonzola blue cheese
celery sticks for dipping
-Preheat the oven to 450 degrees.
-Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and a baking rack. Spray with cooking spray. Set aside.
-Wash and chop the cauliflower into florets.
-In a medium bowl, combine the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
-Pour in the beer and mix well to form a thick coating that will stick to the cauliflower.
-Add the cauliflower florets to the coating mixture and turn to coat each piece liberally.
-Using a slotted spoon, remove the florets and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
-Bake in the oven for 15 minutes or until the florets are lightly browned.
-Meanwhile, in a small bowl, microwave the hot sauce and butter until it’s hot and melted.
-Remove the cauliflower from the oven and brush each floret with the hot sauce.
-Return the cauliflower to the oven and continue baking for an additional 5 minutes.
-In a small bowl, combine all the dip ingredients (except the celery sticks) and stir well.
-Serve the Buffalo cauliflower with the blue cheese dip and the celery sticks.
As I was taking the photos of these hot little morsels of spicy goodness, I seriously could not stop snacking on them.
But you know what? I don’t feel one bit guilty! Well, except for all that blue cheese dip I ate (but that’s a whole other story) and hey, I did have two helpings of veggies here, ya’ know! LOL
Until we eat again,
I can't believe it's cauliflower! This looks absolutely amazing! Great pick!
That looks like such a fun and tasty treat!! Great selection!!
I've been wanting to try this recipe for so long now. I'm so intrigued by the whole cauliflower substitution thing! Yours look delicious. Great pick this month 🙂
OH yes! I have bookmarked this to make as I LOVE cauliflower and what a great way to serve it! FABULOUS SRC pick! Karen
I'm so glad you liked these – I really loved them as well! Your pics make me want to whip up a batch right now 🙂
Those look utterly dangerous. I bet I'd eat a whole tray! <3
Happy Reveal Day!
Ah, I've been dying to try these. This version looks especially addictive with that batter. Yum!
AMAZING recipe, what a clever variation on the chicken wings, and this one (as you said) is almost guiltless
I actually don't like the blue cheese dressing, never dipped the Buffalo wings in it, I enjoy them plain, so I guess I can eat the whole tray and go on with my life 😉
That sounds soo good. I love cauliflower and always look for new ways to eat it. Yum.