By Doug Heilman

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- One of my mottos: Cook and eat curiously. Over the next few weeks, we are featuring several high-quality European ingredients to expand our culinary repertoire in the PTL kitchen. We will be using these exclusive products to take our recipes to a next-level. 

Today, we have a Gold Quality European Organic Honey from Bulgaria that I am excited to use. Just like having different vinegars, salts, or oils in your pantry, there is such a flavor range of honey, and they can offer a difference in floral/herbaceous notes, or even sourness with the natural sweetness, based on where the bees collected the pollen. Kind of like the terroir (Tāre-wa, characteristics of place) of wine. 

Breaded Cauliflower Bites in Bulgarian Honey Glaze

Ingredients

• 1 Whole Cauliflower (2.5-3 lbs)
• 2 Eggs
• 2 tablespoons Mayonnaise
• 1 cup Plain bread crumbs
• 1 cup Panko bread crumbs
• 1 tablespoon Olive oil
• 1/3 cup Honey
• 1 Lemon (zest & juice)
• 1/2 teaspoon Ground ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon Turmeric
• 1/4 teaspoon Chili flakes
• Salt
• Pepper
• Fresh parsley or chives, chopped (optional for garnish)

Directions

Preheat oven to 425°F.

Cut cauliflower into bite size florets, and place cauliflower florets into a large bowl. Meanwhile, in a small bowl, add two eggs, two tablespoons mayonnaise, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Whisk to combine.

In a wide shallow bowl, add 1 cup Panko and 1 tablespoon olive oil. Using a fork, toss to evenly coat the crumbs with oil. Add an additional 1 cup of dry plain breadcrumbs to Panko and toss again.

Pour the egg/mayonnaise mixture over the cauliflower and toss with a rubber spatula to evenly coat the pieces. Dredged the cauliflower florets, just a few pieces at a time, through the breadcrumbs then place on a rimmed baking sheet that has been lined with parchment. Be sure to form an even layer for good browning. Bake cauliflower for 25-30 minutes, until golden brown and crispy.

Meanwhile, in a large bowl, combine 1/3 cup (about 6 tablespoons) honey along with 1 1/2 tablespoons lemon juice, 1 teaspoon lemon zest, 1/2 tsp each ground Ginger & Turmeric, 1/4 teaspoon Chili flakes, and 1/8 teaspoon salt. Whisk to combine.

Place the crispy cauliflower bites into the bowl with the honey mixture, tossing gently. Transfer cauliflower to a serving platter and top with fresh parsley or chives. Enjoy!

Note: The cauliflower bites can be held in a 200°F oven after baking for 10-15 mins., until ready to toss in glaze and serve.