Do you have preconceived notions about what a breakfast / lunch / dinner *should* be? As I was preparing dinner the other night, Abby asked what I was making. I had thought up this super-nutritious meal, and after telling her about it, she said “That’s it?” I think this is a very common response. We grow so accustomed to having the “typical” proportions in our meals: a main entree, a side or two, and possibly a dessert. Sometimes though, it’s fun to switch it up a little. Instead of a traditional entree, I wanted to have a fondue-like meal of fresh veggies.

We have been making a lot of salads around our house recently, and so we had a ton of fresh vegetables on hand. Really, I love salads as much as the next person, and I am pretty good about eating raw vegetables, but anytime I do, I have to dunk them in some high-calorie dip / spread. Somehow, I’m thinking the healthful benefits start slipping away when you are consuming as many calories as when eating a bag of chips. Even hummus, as wonderful as it may be, is usually loaded with calories from the oil and tahini paste. So, I was on a mission to find a better alternative. After a bit of fumbling through the pantry for inspiration, I came upon an old packet of onion soup / dip mix, and the ideas started to flow.

In the end, we wound up with an extremely healthy meal that easily fed both of us. Believe it or not, Abby loved the dip so much that now she has already been asking for me to make it again! I didn’t actually add up the cost, but I would be absolutely shocked if this meal cost us more than about $5!!! (including the dippers and splitting a half of a small cantaloupe for dessert.

Creamy Cauliflower Dip

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INGREDIENTS

• 1 bag frozen cauliflower
• 1/2 pkg. onion dip / soup mix
• 3-4 Tbsp. sour cream (I used fat free)

METHOD

1. Fill a large pot with water, and boil the cauliflower for at least 12 – 15 minutes or until very soft.

2. Drain the water, and blend the cauliflower with the dip / soup mix and the sour cream.

Serve with plenty of raw vegetables and/or crackers.