What to do with Cauliflower in the spring?

In our CSA box this week, we received a gorgeous head of cauliflower. My normal method of cooking this vegetable involves tossing the florets along with pieces of carrot, in olive oil in a baking dish. Then I add 4 chicken legs with thighs, sprinkle the whole dish with cumin, coriander and S&P, and roast in the oven for 1.15 hours at 425F. A great dish in the middle of winter, when you are cold and need a cozy dish.

However, it is spring! And I needed a salad for a Memorial Day picnic, so I found a recipe at Epicurious and modified it just a bit to use more in-season items:

CAULIFLOWER, WHITE BEAN, AND FETA SALAD
1/3 cup olive oil
1 teaspoon minced fresh rosemary

2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
2 1/2 teaspoons finely grated lemon peel
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper

1 medium head of cauliflower, trimmed, cut into small florets (about 3 cups)
1 (15-ounce) can white beans (such as Great Northern or navy beans), drained
1 small head of cabbage or endive, halved, then thinly sliced crosswise
1 tablespoon chopped fresh scallions
2 teaspoons chopped fresh parsley
1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese (about 3 ounces)

Combine oil and rosemary in small saucepan. Stir over medium heat just until fragrant, about 1 minute. Cool.

Whisk lemon juice, vinegar, lemon peel, salt, and pepper in small bowl.

Combine cauliflower, beans, endive, chives, parsley, and rosemary oil in medium bowl; toss. Mix in cheese. Add lemon juice mixture and toss to coat. Season salad with salt and pepper.
originally from Bon Appétit
January 2007