Sunday, August 10, 2014

How to Make Pizza Crust from Cauliflower (No flour, no yeast, no kidding!)from Cleo Coyle




My readers have been waiting for this recipe! The pizza is delicious yet the crust is made from nothing more than cauliflower, egg, and mozzarella cheese with some salt and spices thrown in. 

No flour, no yeast, no kidding!

Now you may have heard of this oddball recipe. It's been around a long time (more on that below). Frankly, I was skeptical of it actually working. My husband (and partner in crime-writing) was, too, but he's a believer now. He enjoyed half this small pie with me last night, beer in hand, smile on his face. We hope you enjoy it as much as we do...

~ Cleo






Cleo Coyle has a partner in
crime-writing—her husband.
Learn about their books
by clicking here and here.


How to Make Pizza
with a Cauliflower Crust

(Cleo Coyle's version with step-by-step photos)

How do you make junk-food junkies, health-conscious people, and gluten-free eaters happy? 

My amateur sleuth, 40-something single-mom and coffeehouse manager Clare Cosi, faces that very dilemma when she's hired to cater a party for a group of quirky computer geniuses at the company of a billionaire whose life she saves in Billionaire Blend.

Clare uses this recipe as a solution. She also bakes up a 4-Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookie (no flour, no dairy, no gluten, and no mixer needed). You can get that recipe here.


http://www.cleocoylerecipes.com/2014/07/Gluten-Free-Dairy-Free-Flourless-Peanut-Butter-Cookies-Cleo-Coyle.html
Clare's 4-Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies:
No dairy, no flour, no gluten, and no mixer needed.

Click Here for the recipe.



To download a free PDF 
of Billionaire Blend's 
recipe guide, click here.
Although Billionaire Blend is the 13th in our Coffeehouse Mystery series, you can enjoy the book as a stand-alone story and have fun trying to solve an attempted murder of a billionaire, right along with Clare. 

As with all our culinary mysteries, my husband and I hope you enjoy the recipes, too. To download a free PDF of Billionaire Blend's recipe guide, click here.

Paleo Pizza Recipe Source:

The earliest mention I can find of this popular recipe is in a low-carb foodie forum circa 2008, but note that it does not include (what I consider) a key step for making the recipe a success. You can see the original mention here, but I have a hunch the recipe source goes back even further (way before the birth of Internet chat rooms) to the high-protein/low carb Atkins diet that was so popular years ago. 

Wherever the recipe began, however, I'm happy to share my version of it with you now...


To download this recipe in a free PDF document
that you can print, save, or share,
click here

Click for Cleo's free recipe PDF.


How to Make Pizza Crust 
from Cauliflower

(Cleo's version with step-by-step photos)


Makes one 10- to 12-inch pizza
(depending on size of cauliflower)


Crust ingredients:

1 medium head of fresh cauliflower (do not use frozen)
½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1 large egg
½ teaspoon Kosher salt
½ teaspoon Italian spice mix blend

Step 1 – Prep oven and pan: First preheat your oven to 450°F. Use parchment paper to line a baking sheet or a pizza pan with holes and lightly coat the paper with nonstick spray. (I use Olive Oil spray.)

Step 2 – Rice the cauliflower: Break up the head of cauliflower into florets. Buzz them in a food processor only until they resemble grains of rice. Do not puree! 



Step 3 – Cook in the microwave: Pour riced cauliflower into a microwave-safe dish and cook on high for 7 to 8 minutes.

Step 4 – Squeeze out extra moisture: This is a key step. If you do not squeeze the excess moisture out of your "cauliflower rice," the crust will be soggy and the recipe will not work the way you see it in my photos. You can use a tea towel or cheesecloth or a nut bag (used to make nut milk). Put the cauliflower in and squeeze until you have drained off a good deal of liquid. You don’t have to worry about getting every drop, but do the best you can.




NOTE for troubleshooting: You will start with 3 to 4 cups of Cauliflower Rice out of the food processor. After cooking and squeezing out the extra moisture, you should have somewhere between 1 and 1-1/2 cups remaining. My photo below shows you how the dried cauliflower rice looks, almost like a ground grain.



Step 5 – Create the dough: Pour the cooked and "squeeze-dried" cauliflower rice into a bowl and mix with the lightly beaten large egg, 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, 1/2 teaspoon Kosher salt, and 1/2 teaspoon Italian spice blend.





Step 6 – Form crust: Drop the dough onto your prepared parchment paper and use clean fingers to shape into a thin disc about 10 to 12 inches in diameter. (Yours might be a little larger or smaller, depending on the size of your cauliflower head and amount of cauliflower rice it yielded.)



Step 7 – Bake for 8 to 16 minutes in your well-preheated 450 degree F. oven. You are watching for the crust to become completely dry and golden brown. Depending on your oven, the type of pan you are using, and the size of your pizza crust, the cooking time will change. Check it at 8 minutes and if the crust is not completely dry and golden brown, continue cooking it for up to 16 minutes. 


(Whenever I use my pizza pan with holes, for example, more heat comes through the pan and the crust cooks much faster, so check your crust often to prevent burning.)



Step 8– Top your crust and finish baking: Allow the crust to cool a bit (5 to 10 minutes). Then top with your favorite pizza sauce and cheeses. 







Finish in the oven with another 8 to 10 minutes of baking. (Again, your particular oven and pan may require more or less time to melt the cheese, simply make a note of it for next time.)




Step 9 – Reheating: This pizza reheats like a dream. Store it in the fridge and when you want to reheat, place slices in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds.







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105 comments:

  1. Wow, will definitely have to try this out. My granddaughter is diabetic and has celiac so finding food she can eat and enjoy can be a challenge. This looks and sounds terrific - thanks for all the gluten-free recipes. And the books, too, of course! Love Clare.

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  2. Love this! Perfect for my husband's diet and no gluten is perfect for me! Thanks, Cleo. Wishing you great sales!

    Daryl / Avery

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  3. I don't know if I'm brave enough to try the pizza crust---but I do want to try the cookie recipe.
    suefarrell.farrell@gmail.com

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  4. The pizza looks delicious. I loved this book! I couldn't put it down. I can't wait for the next one :) The mug looks awesome. Thank you for sharing.

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  5. I will just have to have my daughter make this for our grandson who has a lot of dietary problems. We had found many recipes but they all used coconut of some kind and most of us in the family are allergic to coconut so this was a pleasant surprise to not have any coconut in the recipe. I enjoy this column so much. Thank you for the great writing and the pleasure that I derive from your coffee house series especially. The mug looks great. Thank you for reading. Cynthia Blain

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  6. I will definitely do the cookies butt not sure on the pizza crust. It does sound interesting, though. lkish77123 at gmail dot com

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  7. both recipes sound amazing!! thank you for them....will share w/friends & family!!!

    thank you for the giveaway, too!!!

    cyn209 at juno dot com

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  8. Excited to try this! I'm sure it will be terrific -- love all your recipes. (Loved 'Billionaire Blend' too -- congrats on the paperback!)

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  9. I am making this tonight! We are having dinner with my diabetic mother in law this week, and she is not sticking to her diet. This might show her something different she can try. Thanks for the recipe!

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  10. This pizza sounds perfect for my family. My son is a vegetarian and both he and my husband are pizza junkies. Love your recipes almost as much as your books! Book club is reading "Ghost and the Dead Deb" now

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  11. Eager to try the cauliflower crust - thanks for the recipe!

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  12. This sounds great, I love cauliflower, and with my mom being diabetic I have got to try this on her, Thank You!

    momzillasteel at gmail dot com

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  13. If this pizza tastes as good as is looks, it will be delicious! Thanks for the recipe. I have made the gluten-free peanut butter cookies mentioned above & they are fantastic! I love The Coffeehouse Mysteries & thank you for many hours of reading enjoyment! Karen S.

    spigootz9@hotmail.com

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  14. I would have never thought you could make pizza crust from cauliflower. I will have to try it. Thanks for the step-by-step directions! :D

    cb (at) carolbee (dot) com

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  15. What an inventive way to eat pizza ! I love this series , own almost all of the books on audio, can't wait for this installment !

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  16. Can't wait to try this. Thanks for the detail instructions and pictures.

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  17. This sounds so healthy, appealing and perfect. Thanks for this feature and giveaway. saubleb(at)gmail(dot)com

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  18. I am definitely going to make this pizza which everyone would enjoy and devour. What a delightful change and so enticing. elliotbencan(at)hotmail(dot)com

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  19. The pizza looks delicious. Now to look at the peanut butter cookie recipe. I have a big sweet tooth. Thanks, Alice.

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  20. The pizza looks yummy!!! I cant wait to try the crust!!! Love your books!!!
    Lisa
    hseaside5@aim.com

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  21. Pizza looks Great. Can't wait to read your book.

    xzjh04@ gmail.com

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  22. Sending this recipe to my sis-in-law. Can't wait to read the book.

    dotkel50@comcast.net

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  23. Can't wait to try this. It sounds great.
    Cmkeck311@aol.com

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  24. This looks like so much fun to make! Thanks for the recipe and your great writing, Cleo...Adrienne in Minnesota

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  25. I'm always trying to find a way to eat more veggies so can't wait to try the crust. jlsbookclub at nc dot rr dot com.

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  26. MMMMMM, i love low carb cauliflower recipes! <3 Thank you for this one.

    I love mashed fauxtatoes: steam cauliflower, mash or puree with butter, garlic, cheese, etc. spread in a heat-safe dish and brown under the broiler if desired (but fabulous without broiling, too).

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  27. I wonder if my coeliac brother would eat this...

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  28. This sounds super, Cleo! Thank you for the recipe.

    I already have your book, and plenty of excellent mugs, so don't put my name in the hat this time.

    By the way, I've been making that peanut butter cookie recipe for several years. It's really good, but even better when you add chocolate chips to it!

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  29. Well, I'm skeptical, but it does look good!

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  30. Cauliflower crust pizza is very yummy! I like it. :) I will have to try the cookie recipe. I can't wait to read your book.

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  31. Wow! that sounds an amazing use of cauliflower - I'm keen to try it.

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  32. I have had pizza with cauliflower crust at a book club gathering before but could never get the recipe.....SCORE!!! I love your books and have made quite a few of your recipes. You gap have also peeked my interested in different coffees and brewing options.

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  33. I am definitely going to have to try this out....sounds like something the whole family would enjoy! eeyoregirl2009 at aol dot com.

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  34. What an intriguing idea. I know I can trust you and husband--if you say it is good, it is!

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  35. Mmm- I love pizza and cauliflower. Can't wait to try this and surprise the family! Thanks Cleo!

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  36. I love pizza. My hubby jokes I must have tomato sauce flowing in my veins. I can't wait to try your recipe for the cauliflower crust.

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  37. I have got to try this recipe! I'm so curious now!

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  38. Looks wonderful and interesting.

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  39. That looks great!!!! It's nice to know that there is pizza dough recipe that is not only healthy, but also quick and easy! Thanks so much cleo!

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  40. These recipes look interesting. I hope they turn out as good looking as the ones in your photos! I enjoy your books and can't wait for the next one!

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  41. Will be trying this recipe! Enjoy reading your series, thank you.

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  42. I shared this on my FB page telling my friends and family that I've got to try this pizza crust recipe. DH and I are never satisfied with the crusts on pizzas we buy now days. They're either way too thick or so thin & brittle that you could break a tooth biting into it. Thanks for sharing Cleo!

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  43. I love your books!!!!! Can't wait to try this recipe : )

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  44. I'm trying out your recipe today. Thank you for the chance to win!

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  45. That looks very interesting! I will have to share this recipe with my diet-restricted family members. Thanks!

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  46. I have several friends who would love this recipe so I'm forwarding your newsletter to them pronto!

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  47. THis sounds so tasty! I love cauliflower.

    brooke811 at ymail dot com

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  48. pizza - one of the food groups, right? I will definitely have to try this recipe!

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  49. This is a gotta try recipe--it has so much potential, and I would love to surprise my cauliflower-challenged husband with this delicious pizza!

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  50. I have to try both the pizza and peanut butter cookie recipes, as they both look yummy and good for diabetics!

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  51. Looks tasty

    bn100candg at hotmail dot com

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  52. Can't wait to share with a vegetarian friend. She's going to love it...and, no, I'm not going to try making it...I don't cook anymore. But I still eat so ill be ready for a unique pizza crust.

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  53. Wow does this sound good. Thanks for the giveaway !!! kphans08@gmail.com

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  54. Looks Yummy...Have used the Paleo recipes for years. Always good.. I am a coffe hound as well.. Have been reading both series since day one. LOVE THEM!!!

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  55. So many recipes in these books sound so good. Can't wait for the next book in December!

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  56. Will be making the cookies next week. Thank you for sharing. I love reading your books it is a great escape.

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  57. Looks like a keeper! Think of how few WW points it will use. Yippee!

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  58. This is too cool. Must try on my friend that is allergic to wheat.

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  59. Awesome recipe, will have to try this one. Shared under the name of Virginia

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  60. I already make spaghetti with zucchini so this pizza recipe is definately something I will try out. Thanks for sharing it. Mardox@consolidated.net

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  61. can't wait to try it. I'm sure it will be a real hit with all here. thanks

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  62. shared under the name of le pete. thanks

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  63. Looks yummy enough to try out.
    I bought some coffee-related pjs today and plan to stay in them tomorrow until I check out more of your website. Judy

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  64. THANKS FOR THE RECIPES AND THE GIVEAWAY! SHELLEY S. calicolady60@hotmail.com

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  65. I love pizza and cauliflower so this is a great recipe! Thanks for all the wonderful recipes...and especially the wonderful books you write! The Coffeehouse Mysteries are my favorite!

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  66. Always the best recipes and the Coffeehouse Mystery Series is the best.

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  67. The three of us love The Coffeehouse Mysteries and Cleo's Recipes.

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  68. Good coffee, great food, and wonderful books. Who could ask for more?

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  69. Interesting crust. I'm going to try this the next time I make pizza. Thanks.

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  70. So, it looks like pizza will be back in my life very soon!

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  71. Love this whole series, I am on Billionaire Blend right now and am so glad a new one is coming out. Love all the recipes too.

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  72. I made traditional pizza every Sunday evening for 27 years until my newlywed hubby and I went on a diet last Thanksgiving ... he's lost 70 pounds and I have lost 20 ... he hates cauliflower but he might just get over that if I make this pizza! thanks from geekette ellie and HazMat Guiseppi

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  73. Awesome coffee cup.

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  74. Such a healthy and pretty pizza! This is a must try! I love the coffeehouse mysteries and just purchased the Billionaire Blend. I prefer reading paperbacks as they are easy to carry and cheaper so I can purchase them whenever they come available. I really enjoy the main character, Claire. Keep writing!

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  75. The crust sounds and looks delicious.

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  76. Yummy - cant wait to try this!

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  77. Count me in!


    patucker54 at aol dot com

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  78. I had vaguely heard about using cauliflower for a pizza crust. Thanks for the details of it and I look forward to giving it a try.

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  79. This looks delicious, must try it!

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  80. It's been a long time since I posted here!!!! I am so sorry for your loss I know how hard it is believe me. I am going to try the peanut butter cookies ASAP!!! and the pizza hmmm this is very interesting.....stay tuned...Can't wait for the new book.....

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  81. Please enter me in the contest to win your book and mug. Will have to try this crust.

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  82. Thank you for the cauliflower crust recipe! Can't wait to try it!! We have found "fried" rice made from cauliflower to be absolutely delicious! I will try the peanut butter cookies as well since they are so easy! Thank you for the wonderful books and recipes!!

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  83. Great recipe! Love the Coffee House Mystery Series! Looking forward to this new installment. Thanks for the chance to win!
    Shared on Facebook as Amanda Ray
    luvs2read4fun@gmail.com

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  84. I love the Coffee Shop books. I look forward to reading each one, especially in large print. I am going to download the current list pf titles to be sure I haven't missed one.

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  85. I love cauliflower and we've done something like this so I think it could be lovely! Might be great with no tomato sauce and just a blend of five cheeses.

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  86. Such an interesting idea for pizza crust.
    scarletbegonia5858@gmail.com

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  87. One of my favorite mystery authors and I love the Cosi family.

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  88. Gluten free me is waiting for more great gluten free recipes. It is hard to find a good gluten free pizza

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  89. I'm not necessarily a gluten free person, but I do need to eat more veges, so this may be a yummier way! :D Though, I'm not a fan of cauliflower, so may take awhile to actually bring myself to make it... but it does look delish. Do you taste the cauliflower?

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    Replies
    1. Marsha - Belated reply to your question: In my opinion, this "paleo" pizza tastes like pizza. Be sure to use a delicious pizza sauce and you don't have to make it from scratch. (Although it's not paleo, I think Ragu's "Homemade Style" pizza sauce is quite tasty and easy to use if you're in a hurry.) I'd also suggest using whole milk mozzarella for the best flavor and try pepperoni or another topping you enjoy on pizza. All of those flavors plus the Italian spice mix in the recipe for the crust work to fool your taste buds into thinking you're eating pizza instead of cauliflower. And it's definitely a fun way to eat more veggies!

      Thanks for dropping by and for your patience in my getting the reply to you. I hope you see it. Enjoy!

      ~ Cleo Coffeehouse Mystery.com
      “Where coffee and crime are always brewing…”
      Cleo Coyle on Twitter
      www.CleoCoyleRecipes.com

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  90. The recipe looks great! Can't wait for the next book to be published.

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  91. Just started reading this book!!!! Have read them all in the last few months! Love them. Can't wait to try the receipe.

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  92. Going to be trying this recipe for my gluten free friend. AND read Billionaire's Blend!

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  93. I can't wait to try this recipe :)

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  94. Looks like another winner!! Will try out on my picky daughter....

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  95. LOVE this recipe and LOVE this series of books!!

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  96. Interesting idea - one we will have to try. Can we add meat and veggies to the pizza? Probably not as healthy, but we'd like it more.

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    Replies
    1. Donna E - For sure! You can add toppings to the pizza, not just cheese. The crust itself is sturdy but not as strong as a traditional flour-dough crust, so I'd keep that in mind and go with toppings like pepperoni and black olives or finely chopped and sauteed mushrooms. Keep the toppings light in terms of weight and it will work well. Enjoy!

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  97. The pizza crust looks delicious even before adding the sauce.

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  98. I wanted to be the last one on the page. Loved the pizza recipe. I really like calliflower and my daughter in law need gluten free . What a better way to bond!!ronnalord(at)msn(dot)com

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  99. oh yum! I love cauliflower and pizza so I can't wait to try this! Thanks for the recipe and can't wait to start reading this series! I would never of heard of this without the power of FB & the contest because some friends were sharing it. :)

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  100. Just dropping in to say THANK YOU for all of your wonderful comments. Your response was so kind that I chose two "Cosi" winners (instead of just one). Congrats to Bob Lane and Karen Gilliland.

    You guys are the best for leaving comments and sharing this recipe post. Marc and I appreciate it. Stay tuned for more contests to help us celebrate the release of our 13th Coffeehouse Mystery, BILLIONAIRE BLEND, in its new paperback edition (and now--thanks to our fantastic readers--it's an official bestseller in paperback, too).

    Cheers and have a delicious week, everyone!

    ~ Cleo Coffeehouse Mystery.com
    “Where coffee and crime are always brewing…”
    Cleo Coyle on Twitter
    www.CleoCoyleRecipes.com

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