Mashed Cauliflower Recipe (tastes like mashed potatoes)

[pam]

This is a simple recipe I picked up at the farmers market.  It serves about 2 - 4, depending on how much you eat and how big your head of cauliflower is.

1 large head of cauliflower, chopped into florets (don't use the stalk)
1- 2 tbs butter (or olive oil, but butter adds to the creaminess)
1 - 2 cloves garlic, minced finely
1/2 small onion, finely chopped (maybe 1/8 cup)
1/4 - 1/2 cup Milk, sour cream, whipping cream, reserved water, or chicken broth (I used about 1/4 cream and 1/4 sour cream)
1/4 cup shredded cheese
salt and pepper to taste

1. In a large saucepan, boil the cauliflower in water for about 15 minutes, until it gets very soft.  (You could also do this in the microwave, for about 7 - 8 minutes, according to the farmer's market lady).
   
2. Drain the cauliflower in a colander, using a bowl underneath to collect about 1 cup of the water.  Set both aside.
   
3. In the saucepan, on medium heat (not too hot!) melt the butter and add in the garlic and onion. 
   
4. Sautee until the onion and garlic get soft and start to brown, about 5 minutes or so.
   
5. Add in the cauliflower, and start mashing with a potato masher (or fork, although I imagine it's a lot more work).
   
6. Add in the cream or milk, 1/4 cup at a time.  You can also add in the reserved water from boiling the cauliflower.
7. Keep mashing and adding milk until the consistency resembles that of hand-mashed potatoes (slightly lumpy, but still creamy). 
   
8. Add cheese and stir in.
9. Add salt and pepper to taste.

And you're done!  It took me about 30 minutes, including chopping time, and I was also fixing other things while the cauliflower boiled.