Roasted Cauliflower Tacos with Cashew Crema and Roasted Garlic Bread

This one is definitely entering the rotation! It took a little advance planning since the cashews needed soaking for quite a few hours and cauliflower needs at least 30 minutes to roast, but once that part is done the tacos actually come together pretty quickly. And that planning is absolutely worth it. The cashew crema is so rich in flavor, absolutely luxurious while being completely guilt free and full of healthy nutrients, while the roasted cauliflower brings nutty sweetness that will delight absolutely anyone. I finished it off with some crunchy romaine and creamy, fresh avocado.

While not exactly a traditional pairing, I bowed in to some family clamoring (from both husband and kids) and made some fresh roasted garlic bread in my breadmaker to finish out the meal. I have been long trying to find a way to make garlic bread in the breadmaker that actually tastes garlic-y. This method, of first roasting a whole head of garlic, adds one extra step but still allows the ease of setting a loaf in the morning before work and having it done when you get home... and at long last, it has a rich garlic flavor that is sure to delight everyone. I encourage you to give it a shot!

Time: 5 hours (but only about 30 min hands-on time throughout that)

Fresh Challah

My husband got a breadmaker for Hanukkah. To be fair, I might have rolled my eyes a little. I was convinced this would be an appliance he used once and then it would take up space for the next 10 years until I purged the kitchen. Still, he was insistent. He weaved poetic tales of the smell of fresh bread cooking when he was growing up, and in the end, I did some research and bought him a breadmaker for Hanukkah. It's been only a few weeks, so it could easily still go the way of the forgotten toy, but in the meantime, this challah (or kallah, as my daughter pronounces it) makes this purchase worth it. That's right - if that's all ever uses it for, I'm still sold. This is the most delicious challah I believe I've ever tasted. It's fresh, light, perfectly-textured, and with just the right hint of sweetness. When he made two for a family Hanukkah party, half of one didn't even survive the car ride there (which was mostly due to the kallah-pronouncing toddler...) and the they were gone QUICKLY. These two were made just for our house and seem to be going the same route.

I'm presenting the recipe for a breadmaker below, but I'm sure you can also make it by hand if you so choose (with a lot more work...) Either way, start making this immediately. You won't regret it.

Time: 2 hr 50 (25 min active)