The flexitarian prescription

So when I first found out today (July 6) is National Fried Chicken Day I was ready to write something about being a flexitarian and how you should do you and I’ll do me and blah, blah, blah. But, truth be known, I really do have an issue with eating animals so it would be hypocritical for me to condone eating fried chicken, or any kind of chicken at all. Yes, I wholeheartedly believe in the flexitarian lifestyle, but fried chicken in itself is just plain wrong. Sorry … I know, it tastes good and in theory if it’s the only thing you eat that isn’t plant-based (and you do so sparingly) then why not?

Eating meat, even chicken, raises one’s risk for developing cardiovascular disease, and of all poultry dishes, fried chicken is by far the worst — Findings from a 2020 study conducted by Cornell University and Northwestern University 

I could get on my soapbox and preach but I don’t really have one (a soapbox, that is)—admittedly, I use dairy-based cheese as an “enhancement” (sprinkled on salads or a small huge wedge of brie now and then) and do eat some form of ethically sourced, sustainable seafood a few times a month and though I might think that my “flex” in flexitarian is better than those who eat fried chicken, it really isn’t a fair judgement. All I ask, and all I think is reasonable, is that everyone try and eat more plants and less (if any) animals. Yes, you’ll have to retrain your taste buds but I mean hey, if you can adapt to wearing a mask, can’t you at least try this too?

Step one, try this recipe for battered and fried cauliflower next time you want fried chicken … no, it doesn’t taste like fried chicken, but it’s not supposed to. It does however taste sinfully delicious and you just might find you like it even more. Caveat, my favorite man loves fried chicken and would probably eat it on the daily if he could … and yes, he could … but he doesn’t because he too is retraining his palate oh, and if he did, the smell alone would permeate his clothing and give him away and well, then I’d make him sit a corner for hours on end—I will, however, make it for him once in a blue moon, one piece only though 🙂 Not because I love the idea, but because I love him and until he wants to completely forgo it, well, then he can flex his flexitarian muscles and partake occasionally.

Just Like Chicken (only not) “Fried” Cauliflower

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 15 minutes total

• 1-2 heads of cauliflower, broken into “nugget-size” pieces
• 4 egg whites
• ¼ cup coconut milk
• 1 cup coconut flour
• ¼ cup cornmeal
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• ½ to 1 tsp red pepper flakes
• ½ tsp paprika

Mix egg whites and milk together in one bowl. Mix all dry ingredients in a second bowl. Dip cauliflower pieces one at a time into wet mixture, then dry then wet again. Make sure you shake off any excess. You want these coated, but not drenched. Cook for about 10 minutes, turning once. Serve hot!! Options … omit the garlic powder, paprika and red pepper flakes and use 2 Tbs of your favorite curry spice. Also, you can easily use a store-bought, pre-made box for the batter. Experiment. And don’t forget to serve with your favorite dipping sauce like a red chili sauce or ranch dressing. Enjoy!