Cheesy Cauliflower Tots

Ingredients

• 1 medium head of cauliflower
• 2 Tbl heavy cream
• 2 Tbl butter
• 1/3 cup shredded sharp cheddar
• 4 egg whites
• salt & pepper to taste
• oil for frying

Directions

1. Clean and trim the cauliflower, adding the florets to a microwave safe bowl. Add the cream and butter to the bowl. Microwave for 5 minutes. Add the cauliflower and cheese to a magic bullet or food processor and blend until still chunky – kind of like a cooked oatmeal consistency. Season with salt and pepper. Chill for at least half an hour.
   
2. Whip the egg whites to a stiff peak. Fold 1/3 of the egg whites into the cauliflower mixture to lighten it up. Then fold the cauliflower mixture into the rest of the egg whites and gently mix until combined. For best results, chill for another half hour or they won’t hold their shape as well. Fit a pastry bag with a round or star tube with about a 3/4 inch opening. Spray the inside of the bag with nonstick spray. Gently squeeze out 1-inch sections onto a greased cookie sheet, cutting with a butter knife as you go.
   
3. When finished, bake in a 375-degree oven for 10-12 minutes (or longer if you’re skipping the frying) until puffed and slightly browned. Remove from the oven and serve – or heat 1/4 inch of oil in a saute pan and when it’s very hot add the tots. It doesn't need long, a minute per side to turn them golden brown and crispy.
   
4. Serve immediately.