24/7 Low Carb Diner: Cauliflower with Pumpkin Cheese Sauce and the Pumpkin Themed Diner News

Pumpkin is everywhere. At least in my kitchen. I have been through so many cans of pumpkin, I broke my can opener. Seriously! It has been America's taste kitchen this last month--all sorts of pumpkin recipes have been coming out of the Marshall kitchen. Despite that, I have still managed to lose 6 pounds. Hurrah!

Isn't it great that pumpkin can be a part of the low carb diet? And it doesn't have to be sweet. Not everything pumpkin has pie spice. Like this recipe. It was so yummy. Like macaroni and cheese all tasty and comforting. The bacon adds something special, but the pumpkin cheese sauce is the real star.

Cauliflower with Pumpkin Cheese Sauce

1 head cauliflower (divided use)

4 slices bacon

1/4 cup heavy cream

1/4 cup water

1/4 cup whey protein powder

1/4 cup shredded sharp cheddar plus 1 tbsp for topping

1/4 cup pumpkin puree

1 tbsp coconut flour

1 tbsp nutritional yeast

1 tsp garlic salt

Break cauliflower into florets and steam. Remove when tender crisp. Measure out 1/2 cup and return to steam an additional 3-5 minutes until very tender. Remove and set aside. Place the tender crisp florets into a baking dish.

Bake or pan fry the bacon. Pour the drippings into a 2 qt. sauce pan. In that pan, add the reserved cauliflower, heavy cream, water, protein powder, cheddar cheese, pumpkin puree, coconut flour, yeast and garlic salt. Use an immersion blender to puree the sauce. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly. When cheese is fully incorporated, pour the sauce over the cauliflower florets. Toss to coat. Top with crumbled bacon and reserved cheese. Bake at 350 degrees for 15 minutes.

Serves 4: 210 calories 6 net g carb

This is really a great side dish for a simple protein. A grilled pork chop or breast of chicken and you are ready for a fine meal. Keep this one in mind for your Thanksgiving dinner too.

Ready for a sneak peek at some of the other great pumpkin recipes in the October Diner News? You can order a year of the News for just $6. Order here.