Broccoli + Cauliflower Gratin

I’m so thankful this year.

I’m thankful that I have a roof over my head, food in my belly, clothes on my back, a delicious husband, sweet parents, and a moderately cute face/physique combo.

I appreciate the Thanksgiving holiday in that I appreciate the time I get to reflect on my many blessings from my main homie, JC. I have not, however, ever appreciated the mediocre Thanksgiving cuisine.

I was a picky eater until I was, like, 21 years old. (Something about that year made me more adventurous – idk). Luckily, I’ve grown out of it, but I have never wavered in my disdain for turkey & the trimmings. Cranberry sauce, gravy, green bean casserole, sweet potato casserole, & whatever other heinous casserole you can come up with make my skin crawl. I loaded up my plate with mac & cheese, mashed potatoes, stuffing, & bread. <– Nothing has changed – carbs & I have always been close.

My family also went through a strange phase where for like three Thanksgivings we went to buffets. I’m scarred by that for a lot of reasons.

P.S. Check out my instagram @emergingadulteats to see the feast I create tomorrow! Last year was allllll Mexican food. We’re traveling somewhere new this year………..

Time: 50 minutes (prep + cooking) | Serves: 4-5 as a side

Ingredients:

• 2 medium heads of broccoli, rinsed + trimmed into florets
• 1 medium head of cauliflower, rinsed + trimmed into florets
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 tbsp. of butter
• 1 tbsp. of whole wheat flour
• 1 cup of skim milk
• 3 cups of pepper-jack cheese
• 1 tsp. of cayenne pepper
• 1 tsp. of crushed red pepper
• 2 tbsp. of panko breadcrumbs
• S+P, to taste

How to:

• Preheat oven to 400 degrees
• In a large microwave safe bowl, add broccoli + cauliflower + cover with water
• Microwave for 4-5 minutes or until veggies are almost totally tender (they’ll cook more in the oven)
• In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter
• Whisk in flour + cook for one minute
• Whisk in milk + cook for another minute
• Add 2 cups of cheese + stir well
• Add cayenne pepper + crushed red pepper + S+P
• Stir in diced onions
• Arrange broccoli + cauliflower in a baking dish
• Pour cheese sauce over veggies
• Top with remaining cheese + breadcrumbs
• Cook for 30-35 minutes or until cheese is melted + golden brown
• Serve hot
• Rub creamy goodness all over self no one will judge you it’s Thanksgiving

Sweet + Sour Soba Bowl

 

Well, Tevye, I’m on my way.

HOME THAT IS.

Your girl is headed home for a few days to stir up some trouble & start chaos in the streets. By that I mean I want to drink lots of mimos with my friends & get caught by strangers taking selfies.

My pasty skin is craving that Memphis sun. I am only packing shorts so if you’re in the 901, please have your shades on at all times as my thighs are blinding.

There are so many activities planned. My mother purchased a private party for 10 of our friends at one of those painting/wine studios. We’ll drink & scribble on a canvas & giggle & give the girl with actual talent trying to teach us a migraine. Nothing better.

I won’t be blogging for a few days so make sure you follow me on insta @emergingadulteats to see all of the ridiculous food I stuff into my body!!!!!!

 

Time: 30 minutes (prep + cooking) | Serves: 2-3

Ingredients:

• 1 package of soba noodles
• 1 bundle of broccolini, trimmed
• 1 can of baby corn, drained
• 1/2 cup of sweet + sour sauce
• 1 tbsp. of olive oil
• Juice of 1 lime
• 1 tbsp. of cilantro, chopped
• S+P, to taste
• Sesame seeds, for serving

How to:

• Cook soba noodles according to package directions, strain
• Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium high heat
• Add broccolini + S+P, cook for 4-5 minutes
• Add baby corn + 1/2 the sweet + sour sauce + S+P, cook another 3 minutes
• Combine vegetables with noodles, stir well
• Add S+P + rest of sweet + sour sauce + cilantro + lime juice
• Serve hot with sesame seeds
• Ditch the spoon, grab a shovel + go