Cheesy Cauliflower Breadsticks

Presidents' Day Monday. I had the day off from the road. Kids had no school. We had a lazy day. Gayle had a good day — she walked all the way down the hallway and back three times, her version of exercise. I made soup, I made cornbread. We watched a movie together in the afternoon. Josie sat on Gayle's feet on the couch. Nobody needed anything. It was nothing. It was everything.

Drove Tuesday-Wednesday, a quick Des Moines run. Home Wednesday night. Wrote Thursday and Friday. Book two at 27,000 words.

Amber came home Saturday. She had news: she had been named a Berkhamer Scholar for the next year — $2,500, the repeat scholarship, for continuing social work students. She had not expected it. She had not asked for it. The foundation had chosen her. She told us at dinner. Gayle said, "Amber Wheeler-Novak." She said both names. She meant it. Amber nodded.

Justin has been quieter than usual this week. I asked him. He said, "Mom. I am thinking about things." I said, "What things, honey?" He said, "Things." I said, "Okay." I did not push. He came to me Friday night at 10, sat at the kitchen table where I was writing, and said, "Mom. I do not want to go to college." I closed the laptop. I said, "Okay." He said, "Dad will be mad." I said, "He won't be. He might have questions." He said, "I do not know what I want to do." I said, "That is okay. You are 15. You have time." He said, "What did you want to do at 15?" I said, "I wanted to leave Grand Island." He laughed. He said, "Mom. I don't want to leave Grand Island." I said, "Then don't. Not everything is a pressure." He hugged me. He went to bed.

I have not told Dave yet. I will. Soon. Not this week. Justin is working things out. He is allowed. This is exactly the age to work things out. I am not going to turn this into more than it is.

That Presidents’ Day — the soup, the movie, Josie on Gayle’s feet — reminded me that the best food is just food that shows up when people need it to. I’ve been making these cheesy cauliflower breadsticks alongside soup for a couple of years now, and they do exactly what cornbread does: they give you something warm to hold while the afternoon slows down. They’re not fancy, and that’s the whole point.

Prep Time: 15 min | Cook Time: 25 min | Total Time: 40 min | Servings: 4

Ingredients

1 medium head cauliflower, cut into florets (about 4 cups riced)
1 large egg, beaten
1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

Rice the cauliflower. Pulse cauliflower florets in a food processor until they resemble fine crumbs. You should have about 4 cups.
Cook and dry the cauliflower. Microwave the riced cauliflower in a microwave-safe bowl for 4–5 minutes, until softened. Let cool for 5 minutes, then transfer to a clean kitchen towel and squeeze out as much moisture as possible. This step is important — dry cauliflower means the breadsticks hold together.
Mix the dough. In a large bowl, combine the dried cauliflower, beaten egg, 1 cup of the mozzarella, Parmesan, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir until a cohesive mixture forms.
Shape and bake. Preheat oven to 425°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly grease it. Press the cauliflower mixture into a rectangle about 1/2 inch thick, roughly 9x7 inches. Bake for 20 minutes, until the edges are golden and the top is set.
Add the cheese topping. Remove from oven and scatter the remaining 1/2 cup of mozzarella evenly over the top. Return to oven for 4–5 minutes, until the cheese is melted and just beginning to bubble.
Slice and serve. Let rest for 3–4 minutes, then cut into sticks. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve warm alongside soup or your favorite dipping sauce.

Nutrition (per serving)

Cheesy Cauliflower Breadsticks — The Kind of Day Where Nothing Was Wrong