I was tempted to call this post: Things My Family Doesn’t Like, but then that wouldn’t be very descriptive, would it? I just got back from St. Louis. My daughters and I went there to spend some special time with my sister Linda’s kids. Linda passed away in May, and although we all went to St. Louis in June for services, we really wanted to go back.

Here we are, together again.

I cherish every moment we spent together, and am so grateful. When I got back to Seattle, I was hit by a fresh wave of grief. I am not surprised. How could I spend such wonderful time with Linda’s kids, her living legacy, and not just miss her all the more? So I needed to take extra good care of myself. Get good rest, drink plenty of water, and eat well. I did a grocery run and picked up a head of cauliflower… something my family does not like! But this is about self care.

Oven Roasted Cauliflower – so good!

I’ve made oven roasted cauliflower before, but this time I paid more attention. I got the recipe from the  allrecipes website. I followed the baking instructions, but changed the seasoning. Remember, this is things my family doesn’t like, right? So I tossed the cauliflower florets in olive oil, added a big pinch of salt, freshly cracked black pepper, and a bunch of dashes of Chinese Five Spice – so dreamy!! But my family can detect that spice mix from a mile away, and they don’t approve. Or at least the girls don’t. But this is for me! Chinese Five Spice is a blend of star anise, cloves, Chinese cinnamon, Sichuan pepper, and fennel. It gives everything an amazing, exotic flavor that I adore.

Look at that crispy golden brown caramelization!

Of course you can use any seasoning you like, but since it will just be me eating this cauliflower, I’m going for the Five Spice!

Oven Roasted Cauliflower

• 1 head cauliflower, cut into 1 1/2″ florets
• 1/4 cup olive oil or avocado oil
• Goodly pinch kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon fresh cracked pepper
• Couple dashes (1/2 teaspoon?) Chinese Five Spice

1. Preheat oven to 450°
2. In a large bowl, toss cauliflower florets with olive oil. Sprinkle with salt, pepper, and Chinese Five Spice. Toss well.
3. Spread cauliflower evenly on a cookie sheet. Make sure the pieces are spread apart for better roasting. If the pieces are too close together, they will steam.
4. Bake on center rack of preheated 450° oven for 15 minutes. Using two spoons or a spatula, toss the pieces of cauliflower around to flip them over. Bake for ten more minutes.
5. Serve and enjoy! Leftovers can be stored in the fridge, and are delicious hot or cold.