There are a few of these recipes going around Pinterest and when I saw them I thought "God is a God who answers prayers!" I mean COME ON!!!?? Supposedly this packs on 50 total calories and under 3 g fat, over the cream sauce of 500 with 30+ g of fat!
There are just some things in the world you know you will never really get to have too often if you want to be in any decent shape. I get a little sad around ice-cream, milkshakes, cake, fried chicken, biscuits n gravy, and Alfredo sauce. I just know its something I can only allow myself to have once in a great while. This recipe can be made purely vegan or fully dairy free- and is naturally gluten free (cream gravy GF?!?!) . I do however in an attempt to replace Alfredo or an Italian type dish, think the use of a bit of Parmesan tricks the tongue into thinking its a full blown cream sauce, calories and all. Without the sprinkle of Parmesan and the addition of a bit more bullion it then tastes like an amazing cream country gravy.
I used to live on such tempting things when I was under 23 and thin. But now I know my metabolism can't keep up. I can't make a habit of such debauchery. But I try my best to find WORTHY substitutions for the palate. My other issue centers around dairy. I'm not intolerant, but its not good for my skin allergies. So I have to pass on it more than I can enjoy it. The lactose is nearly gone in cheeses aged over 2 years so from time to time I will allow a nice aged cheddar or Parmesan.
Play around with these and see what suits your fancy! This made enough sauce for me and my kids- you could double for a bigger crowd. Give it a try all the way to the table because at first I wasn't sold when I just tasted it by itself, but then after the serving of with pasta and biscuits!? whoo hoo! Happy Girl!
1 lg Head of Cauliflower- steamed until fork tender, not too thick and not too soft
1-2 c. Broth (I love and can't live without 'Better than Bouillon' chicken base- use the veggie if veganizing- if country gravy I'd make it a bit saltier than the Alfredo version)
1/2 cup Coconut Creamer or Soy Creamer substitute (NOT canned coco milk but unsweetened type for your coffee found in the dairy isles- see below)
5-8 Garlic Cloves (I actually roasted my garlic first and the country gravy option would use 3-5 cloves- I personally like the smokey smooth flavor of roasted garlic but you can raw it if ya like mega garlic or just saute it in a pan before blending)
1T Olive oil
Salt & Pepper to taste
Chopped fresh parsley
FINELY PUREE ALL OF THESE IN A BLENDER OR FOOD PROCESSOR STARTING WITH HALF THE LIQUIDS, UNTIL SMOOTH CREAMY CONSISTENCY (Remember its easier to thin out this sauce than steam more cauliflower to thicken it- you can add a bit of tofu to this if you want added protein but go easy as tofu can have a sort of interesting after taste with this recipe).
Alfredo:
Finish cooked pasta in this sauce in a pan on med low heat- don't over boil this sauce. Serve and sprinkle each dish with a few spoon fulls of shredded Parmesan. Delicious with grilled chicken, shrimp, garden tomatoes and basil! If you aren't shy of cheese you could add about a 1/2 cup of shredded cheese directly to the sauce versus controlling the cheese portion per plate like I have to.
Cream Gravy:
Serve over biscuit with breakfast sausage crumbles or meat substitutes. Delicious on mashed potatoes, chicken and anything cream gravy goes with!
Chicken, Vegetarian, Beef, Shrimp, Mushroom MM! Unsweetened Coco Creamer
