Homemade mashed pota...nope, mashed cauliflower!

I've really been focusing on eating well, trading in my carbs & fats for fruits & veggies. Thus far I've been pretty successful, but like anyone, there's always some hiccups. But, I hit the mother load with this recipe! I found the original here but tweaked to my families liking. Swapping out some of your side dishes is super easy, it just takes the creativity & the initiative to start! Simple examples: instead of having mashed potatoes & stuffing, replace one or both, with steamed veggies, or...

Cheesy Mashed Cauliflower

1 head of cauliflower
2 tbsp butter
1 small onion, minced
2 large cloves garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
4 oz reduced-fat cream cheese
2 tbsp heavy cream
1/8 tsp pepper
1 cup shredded mozzarella or Parmesan cheese
2 tsp parsley flakes
Cooking spray

Preheat oven to 400F. Spray a 9x9 pan with cooking spray & set aside.

Cut out the core & green from the cauliflower, then steam it until very tender (about 15 minutes).

Add the butter to a medium skillet over medium heat; add the onion and cook until softened, but not browned, about 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add the garlic and thyme and cook 2 minutes more, stirring constantly. Remove from heat.

Transfer the steamed cauliflower and cream cheese to a food processor-puree until smooth. Add the heavy cream as needed.

Add to the pureed cauliflower, onion, pepper, and half the shredded cheese and stir to combine.

Spread the cauliflower mixture in the prepared dish, and sprinkle the remaining cheese and the parsley on top. Bake until warm throughout and the cheese is melted, about 15 to 20 minutes. (If you want, you can put the pan under the broiler for a couple minutes to brown, but stay with it!)

Makes 4-6 servings.