I’m gonna go ahead and say it…

By the time you’re finished reading this post you are going to think I’m a little (or a lot) crazy…and I’m okay with that.  🙂

We all have weird food cravings, those things we can’t get enough of that nothing else will satisfy.  Just go ahead and admit it.  I won’t judge.  You love bologna and grape jelly sandwiches (my Grandma loves them!) or Pepsi and milk cocktails like Laverne and Shirley.  Or maybe you prefer something a little tamer like dipping your fries in mayonnaise or a Frosty (my personal fave).

To each his own I say.

I have a few favorite foods that a lot of people would turn their noses up at.  You’re intrigued now, right?  Two of my very favorite things that I can’t live without are…drum roll please…

salami

cauliflower

Wait!  Don’t run away just yet!!!  Just hear me out!

I am very thankful to have a husband who has an adventurous palate and loves me enough to indulge my weird food cravings…and not judge me for them.  Enter Salami with Marinated Cauliflower and Bitter Greens sandwiches.  Who knew that two of my favorite foods would play so well together?  I certainly wouldn’t have dreamed it but I’m happy they do!!   It also doesn’t hurt that celebrity chef Tom Colicchio endorses my weird sense of culinary bliss.  🙂

Just trust me on this one, okay?

Salami with Marinated Cauliflower and Bitter Greens

Marinated Cauliflower Ingredients:

• 1 medium head cauliflower
• 1/4 red onion, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon garlic, chopped
• 1/2 cup golden raisins
• 3 tablespoons capers, drained
• Pinch of red pepper flakes
• 2 teaspoons caraway seeds
• 1/2 cup Italian parsley, finely chopped
• 2 teaspoons dried oregano
• 1 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 1/3 cup white wine vinegar
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt
• Freshly ground black pepper

Sandwiches:

• 4 soft ciabatta rolls
• 1/2 pound hard salami, sliced thin
• 2 cups loosely packed bitter greens (I used mustard greens)
• 4 teaspoons Dijon mustard

Using a sharp knife or slicing attachment of a food processor, slice the cauliflower as thin as possible.  Combine cauliflower and rest of the marinade ingredients in a large bowl and mix well.  Marinate for at least 6 hours.  Make sure to stir the ingredients well before using it on sandwiches.

To assemble sandwiches, cut ciabatta rolls in half (tip: cut the bottom of the bread a little thicker so the marinade soaks in).  Place the marinated cauliflower on the bottom half of the bread, top with salami and bitter greens.  Spread the Dijon on the top half of the bread and cap the sandwiches.   Cut into halves and serve.

Source: ‘Wichcraft by Tom Colicchio

I am so weird…sigh…

What is your weirdest food craving?

ps-the cauliflower is really great all on its own!