Fried Cauliflower "n" Queso

 

                "Cauliflower is nothing but cabbage with a college education." Mark Twain claimed. If so, this dish has a Ph.D in Texas state.

Serves 6 

• 1 large cauliflower, break into flowerettes
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1½ cups buttermilk
• 1 egg
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon Tabasco or other hot pepper sauce
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• ¾ teaspoon salt
• 1 recipe Chile con Queso, click here for the recipe

1. In a large saucepan, cover the cauliflowerettes with salted water, and bring it to a boil ; cook until the cauliflower is tender but not mushy.
2. Drain the cauliflower and reserve it.
3. Place the flour in a shallow bowl ; in a second dish, stir together the baking powder and soda, pepper, and salt, and mix in the milk and egg, Tabasco and garlic (the mixture will be thin).
4. Dredge each flowerette first in the flower and then in the batter ; dunk the flowerettes back into the flour.
5. Add enough oil to a heavy, deep skillet to deep-fry the flowerettes in at least 4 inches of oil ; heat oil to 350F (180C).
6. Fry the cauliflower in batches for 3 to 4 minutes, until it is golden brown ; Drain the cauliflower, top it with Chile con Queso, and serve it hot.

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