I try not to talk about myself on here too much because I know you’re just here for the food, but, I have to share one thing. I quit my day job! As of January, 2012, I am a fulltime freelance photographer. Thanks to everyone who helped make this happen. <3

Anyway, back to the food.
Every Thanksgiving I end up asking myself why I don’t eat mashed potatoes all the time. There is no rule saying they can only be consumed on Thanksgiving. So then I go and look up recipes and am reminded why they are reserved for a day of overindulgence – cream, butter, & loads of salt. I set out to create a version of mashed potatoes that I feel okay about eating whenever.
The end result doesn’t actually have potatoes in them. They are cauliflower and bean based. It’s pretty crazy how much they taste like mashed potatoes though…

Ingredients
- 1 head cauliflower
- 1 can of cannellini beans
- Salt and pepper
- Gravy
Directions
- Steam cauliflower florets until they are quite soft
- Mash up a can of beans with your fork
- If you like very creamy mashed potatoes, combine the cauliflower and beans in a food processor. If you like chunky mashed potatoes, puree the cauliflower in the food processor and stir in the mashed beans.
- Add salt and pepper (and some roasted garlic if you’d like) to taste.
- Eat/serve with gravy.
Marshall is pretty suspicious…






























Ruby - Congratulations! How exciting to be a freelance photographer!
Also, mashed potatoes are my absolute favorite food- these look like a great (and healthy) twist on the original!
Heather@Sundaymorningbananapancakes - Congratulations Vanessa- love the post.
Best of luck to you in your new venture :-)
Denise - Vanessa! I am so happy for you! Out of words! Congratulations! Have a cake to celebrate ? (:
Susan - That’s wonderful – I love your photos! (I am particularly in love with your kitty photos).
Jay B. - What a wonderful recipe and easy recipe. I love mashed potatoes, so i will definitely try it out. Your photos are also very amazing. Keep up good work. J. B.
Shokoofeh - I really like your style and creativity in photography, so I am sure you will do great as a freelancer! Good Luck! :)
Sneh | Cook Republic - Congratulations! That is awesome! :)
Rachel @ Bakerita - Congrats on being a full-time photographer!
Based on these pictures, you’ll do incredibly.
These look delicious, and guilt free?! Sign me up.
Mary - You will need to make this for me!!
Mrs. Measurement - I’ve had cauliflower mash at a restaurant before. This looks unbelievably easy, and not as fat-laden as other recipes that call for butter and heavy cream. I can’t wait to try this out as a side dish with our meals.
Jes - Congrats on taking the full-time freelance plunge! I can’t even imagine how exciting and scary it must be at the same time. As for the cauliflower, I’m a huge fan of overindulgence & potatoes, but I could go for the simple rich look and taste of the cauliflower. Never thought of adding beans to the puree before–genius!
Danielle - Congrats on the work venture!! I’ve been so in love with your photos since discovering the blog through Mofo! I so wish I could freelance, finding work in the city has been a complete pain in the neck. Good luck and keep the great photos (and food) comin’!
Georgia - The mash and gravy look good, but Marshall looks like he needs some convincing. ;) Good luck in your new venture!
Fanny - Well, I’m here for the food, but as much for the photos and if the blog happened to be about you sometimes I would be here for that too. Just saying. That mash sounds intriguing.
art and lemons - Congrats, Vanessa! Would love a bowl of these mashers and gravy for breakfast…
Laura - Hey Vanessa! I posted on your facebook a well, but this is so exciting and I am so happy for you. And I love mashed cauliflower. Sometimes I even eat it for a meal…sans gravy. And Nora I am with you. I used to eat mashed potatoes whenever I could…ah for a 16 year old metabolism again.
Nora - This looks absolutely delicious. I used to eat mashed potatoes every chance I got. Of course, as I got older, I realized that probably wasn’t the best idea. I almost miss the days of blissful ignorance… Anyway, I’ll have to give this recipe a go!
And congrats on your recent decision! You’re an amazing photographer and I wish you luck with your new venture :)
Kristen - Oh my gosh – I am insanely excited for you!!!!
Soma - I wait with a heartbeat to see your posts:) Congrats! now you get to do what you love and what you are immensely good at!
aha a mashed potato without the potato! now that is something. The beans is what makes it creamy i guess?
Caitlin@The Vegan Chickpea - i feel the same way about mashed potatoes! i don’t eat them because they are just too heavy when it comes to my tastes and my belly. but cauliflower and beans?? now that’s right up my alley! i will definitely be giving this one a go. (i wonder what my mashed potato loving husband will think :X i think i’ll just tell him they are mashed potatoes and see what he says ;) )