Recipe Makeover-Roasted Garlic Mashed Cauliflower (no taters here)

Usually our thanksgiving and christmas table has a spot for some deliciously creamy mashed potatoes, but this year we changed things up. I was one of the skeptical ones, who was a little nervous about making the conversion, but after trying the, all I can say is YUMMO! Here is the recipe, it is delicious by the way!

Ingredients

• 1 full head of garlic
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 heads cauliflower
• salt & pepper

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees. 
2. Cut just the top of the bulb of garlic, place in an aluminum packet and drizzle with olive oil. Close packet and bake for approximately 30 min or until soft.
3. Boil cauliflower until tender, beginning to fall apart. 
4. Drain cauliflower and place in blender/food processor, squeeze softened cloves of garlic into cauliflower, season with salt & pepper, and blend until smooth. 
5. Serve your delicious low calorie side! 

For a creamy and cheesy flavor, add either 2 tbsp cream cheese or 2 garlic herb laughing cow wedges prior to blending. 

This is a great CLEAN, VEGAN, VEGETARIAN, and GLUTEN-FREE recipe! 

Sweating Off Thanksgiving Dinner, Family Style!

As a family we decided to skip the Black Friday shopping this year and hit the trails  instead! One of my favorite outdoor activities growing up was hiking, and it still is one of my favorites. I am glad to say my niece and nephew come by it naturally in our family and, as young kids, already ask to go hiking! 

Did you get some exercise in today and work off those thanksgiving calories? Even though our table consisted of clean eating healthier alternatives this year, we still had plenty of extra calories to burn! ;) 

We hiked up to a beautiful Fall Branch Falls in the Blue Ridge Mountains. It was chilly and there were still remnants of snow from the other day! 

Spending time with my family is at the top of my list for fun activities! I am truly blessed to be able to spend this holiday weekend with my family! Being on vacation and spending time with family isn't a reason not to get a good workout in though, just include the family!!! 

Having fun climbing the rocks at the bottom of the falls! 

My beautiful sister and niece!