No Carb Pizza Crust? It's Possible

Since joining over seven months ago, I have lost 25 pounds. Working out and diet modification has made me make a complete 180. I move with purpose and I feel more confident in everything I do. 

My husband has lost 30 pounds and gained tons of muscle and is all around feeling great about everything right now as well. It feels awkward putting the last seven months into writing, mainly because I have never been one to gloat or show off my accomplishments. 

Our diet modifications, I think, have been the most life changing. I believe that I always cooked light. Learning to cook, my Nonna and Mom never cook with salt, and I do not either. Plenty of foods have natural sulfates which are brought out in the cooking process. 

Personally, I feel as if salt ruins food. If I do use salt, I use it sparingly. Portion control was our main problem. I would make a pound of seafood pasta and we would eat a pound of seafood pasta. Carbs were our issue. 

What good Italian-American cook doesn't create a dinner laden in delicious, warm, inviting carbs? So in our process to cut out the carbs, I came across this recipe for a virtually no carb pizza crust which I made a few nights ago. It is unbelievable and I highly suggest everyone try this if they find the time.  You will not regret it!

Cauliflower Crust

Yield: One 9- to 12-inch pizza (feeds 2 to 3 people)

Ingredients

Crust:

1/2 large head of cauliflower (or 2+ cups shredded cauliflower)
1 large egg
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (parsley, basil, rosemary mixture)
1/2 teaspoon dried minced garlic (or fresh garlic)

Directions:

1.  Shred the cauliflower into small crumbles.  You can use the food processor if you'd like, but I just used a large cheese grater.  A total of about 2 cups or so of cauliflower crumbles are necessary.  Place the cauliflower crumbles in a large bowl and microwave them (dry) for 8 minutes. Let the cauliflower cool for about 5 minutes.

2.  Prepare the crust:  Preheat the oven to 450°F.  Use a pizza stone. If you do not have a pizza stone, use a cookie sheet, be sure to spray with non-stick spray before placing the mixture on the sheet to cook. In a medium bowl, mix the cauliflower crumbles (about 1 1/2 cups since they shrink after cooking) with the remaining crust ingredients. Lay the crust on your stone or sheet in a circle, make sure the thickness of the dough is a little less than a half inch. Bake for 15 minutes or until golden brown.

3.  Add your toppings!  I chose a Hawaiian-style pizza topping because it is one of my favorite combinations but you can be creative.  When you are done adding the toppings, place your oven on broil. Place your pizza back into the oven and broil for 4 to 5 minutes or until your toppings are melted and the cheese browns.

4. Enjoy! Please post your experience with this recipe. I have found that different people, once confident make different takes of this which I find fascinating.

Remember, have fun!  This is a fun activity to do with children as well. Since it's such a quick meal, they will love watching the crust brown in the oven!