Clean Cauliflower Pizza Crust

Finally I am posting this cauliflower crust recipe for a healthy, clean pizza!  With the help of my aunt I swear half of Southern California has been waiting for me to post this recipe, so here it is folks!

Ingredients Needed:
1 c. cooked, riced cauliflower
1 c. shredded, low-fat, mozzarella cheese
1 beaten egg
1 tsp. oregano
1/2 tsp. crushed or minced garlic
1/2 tsp. garlic salt (optional)
olive oil (optional)
low-sodium or natural pizza sauce
*pizza toppings of choice (pre-cooked)

How to:
Pre-heat oven to 450 degrees.

"Rice" the cauliflower by taking 1 large head of cauliflower (sans stems and leaves) and chop florets in to chunks.  Pulse cauliflower chunks in food processor until it looks like grain.  Do not over pulse and puree the cauliflower.  (If a food processor is not available grate the cauliflower using a cheese grater.)  In a microwave-safe bowl, cook the cauliflower in the microwave for 8-9 minutes (if not using the whole head of cauliflower only cook needed cauliflower for 3:30-4 minutes per cup).  Do not add water, cauliflower naturally releases moisture when heated and is enough to cook itself. 

A single head can make approximately 3 cups of riced cauliflower.  Store unused cooked cauliflower in the refrigerator for up to a week.  If you only cook what you need, the uncooked riced cauliflower can be frozen until you are ready to make another pizza.

To make the crust combine: 1 cup riced cauliflower, 1 cup mozzarella cheese and the beater egg, and stir.  Add oregano, garlic and any other desired spices and continue to stir. 

Transfer the mixture to a cookie sheet that has been sprayed with a no-stick cooking spray.  (I like to use parchment paper on my cookie sheet or use a pizza stone.)  Using your hands, pat your "dough" into a 9 inch round.  If desired, brush olive oil over the uncooked crust to increase browning.

Bake for 15 minutes.

After removing from the oven add a thin layer of the pizza sauce and additional mozzarella cheese.  Add desired pre-cooked toppings (I like turkey pepperoni, yellow bell peppers, mushrooms and other veggies).

Place under a broiler on high until cheese is melted (approximately 3-4 minutes).  Since I don't have a broiler I just pop the pizza back in the oven for 2-3 minutes.  This second trip to the oven I place the pizza directly on the oven rack, this also makes the crust a little more crispy.

Try it out and let me know how you liked your clean pizza with a comment below!

To see the original recipe check out katiheifner.blogspot.com.

Why Wheatgrass?

Due to an Instagram and Facebook photo I added yesterday I have gotten a lot of inquiries about wheatgrass and taking shots of wheatgrass juice.  So, being the curious soul that I am I went to work researching the benefits of wheatgrass shots.

What is a wheatgrass shot?

Wheatgrass shots are concentrated juices from young, tender shoots of the wheat plant.  The grass is cut before the wheat berry forms, making it okay for some people with wheat allergies to take wheatgrass shots in small doses.  Its liquid form leads to maximum absorption quickly to the bloodstream.  A single ounce is the equivalent to approximately 2.5 pounds of vegetables in recommended doses of 2-4 onces twice daily. 

A wheatgrass shot is deep green in color because of it's high concentration of chlorophyll, the pigment that makes plants green.  Wheatgrass is filled with enzymes, amino acids and minerals such as:
· 20% of the recommended daily intake of Iron
· 70% of the recommended daily intake of Vitamin A
· Beta carotene
· Calcium
· Magnesium
· Phosphorus
· Potassium
· Protein
· Vitamins E, C and B12

What are the benefits of wheatgrass?
Wheatgrass highly affects the digestive system. It improves digestion and metabolism, promotes regularity and helps fight constipation. Wheatgrass also is a natural energizer and helps to reduce fatigue. It can calm the nervous system and boost the immune system. In some cases, a wheatgrass shot has been known to work as an appetite suppressant because it is loaded with essential nutrients and can be filling.

How does a wheatgrass shot taste?
The taste of a wheatgrass shot has been described as tasting of freshly cut grass with a hint of asparagus. In my opinion the flavor was similar to that of a fresh snap pea or green bean. If you are worried about the taste try taking a wheatgrass shot with a slice or orange. The sweetness of the fruit is opposite of the grassy flavor of the wheatgrass and its acidity brings quick relief to the slight bitterness of the shot.

1oz. Wheatgrass shot from Jamba Juice

Take Me Out To the Ballgame

This weekend felt like my first real west coast weekend and like I am on my way to being a true Californian (but still keeping my strong Arkansas roots of course). 

Friday I had a wonderful time with Kati and Jay at the Dodgers vs. Mets game.  While it was a shame the home team did not win, "Take Me Out To the Ballgame" was still a blast and the post-game fireworks were a beautiful wrap to the night.  The game however definitely led to a cheat meal, gotta have a Dodger Dog (don't worry, it was all beef) but today there was a quick U-Turn to get back on the healthy track! 

After being welcomed and so well taken care of at Casa de la Kati Saturday morning we went to Super Saturday at Beachbody Corporate Headquaters.  It was so inspiring and educational!  It was great seeing the Beachbody home where the magic begins. I am ready to jump in to my business and take what I have learned to help others on their journey to their happiest and healthiest lives.  I can not wait to get started!

Kati & I in front of the Shakeology wall! Try eating all this one a day!

Saturday afternoon we did some exploring in the Santa Monica 3rd Street Promenade and we got way more than we bargained for.  We not only explored but we were unexpectedly entertained! 

This is NSK and Nugget from America's Best Dance Crew's the Ringmasters.  It was a fabulous performance and we had a great time watching!  These kids are so talented!

Our next entertainer was definitely a comedian, but more importantly he was an amazing athlete.  He really interacted with his audience and had every one in the street laughing.  This is The Candyman Eric Nash, a man of many talents and a stuntman from a few films you might have heard of including the most recent to hit the big silver screen, The Avengers. 

After a quick lunch Kati and Jay introduced me to one of the best parts of Santa Monica, the beach.  It was gorgeous!  I had been before a few years ago but I appreciated the refresher! In one direction we had the busy, glowing lights of the famous Santa Monica Pier and in the other direction the picturesque Malibu coastline.

 I could get used to this!