You guys, I'm not going to lie, I love this dish. I really do. It's so comforting and satisfying, and even though it takes slightly longer to make than my other recipes, there's something about the preparation fo this that is really enjoyable. The smells of the sautéd vegetables, or the beginnings of the cheesy sauce, and then when the bake is actually cooking in the oven...oooh it's so good. I'm a big fan of macaroni cheese, but sometimes I don't fancy the pasta and this is a great way of getting in some vegetables and protein without feeling like you've had to sacrifice a classic meal. I've made it for friends and family recently too, and the looks on their faces when they tasted it, it was so great to see.

Filled with the good stuff

So recently I've been really into cauliflower, and I recently did some personal research into why it's so great. Turns out there's a number of different reasons:

1. Due to being high in fibre and other certain plant compounds, it can help to reduce blood pressure and inflammatory damage, whilst feeding the healthy bacteria in your gut.
2. It is high in vitamin C and sulphur, therefore boosting your immune system and improving your defence against infection.
3. Cauliflower is also a source of Choline, which is an essential nutrient that we need for mood, memory and recall, whilst also helping with brain development and our central nervous system.
4. As a cruciferous vegetable, cauliflower contains compound nutrients that may help to balance hormones by regulating oestrogen levels.

So a bake filled with an ingredient that promotes all these things? Yes please!! And don't forget you've also got leeks, garlic, nutritional yeast (I'm talking extra vitamin B12), mixed beans, what more could you want? You can thank me later...