About last month, my roommate broke her face. What a way to get your attention. Anyway, yeah, she really did break her face. She was playing softball and running to first base, and the opposing team was going for a double play (I sound like I know what softball is, don't I?), so someone threw the ball to first... and missed. The ball ended up landing squarely on my roommate's temple, shattering her sunglasses and causing a small but profusely bleeding head wound.

"I guess she really had her head in the game," chuckled one of the players. "Too soon, bro," he was lightly scolded.

My roommate ended up having multiple facial fractures and needing surgery. If left un-surgerized, her doctor said her eye would sink into its own socket.

Needless to say, I felt awful for her. That night she curled up on the couch, her head the size of a melon, her mouth hanging slightly open because it hurt to hold it shut and her one good eye focused on the television. There wasn't much I could do for her but re-freeze her ice packs and help prepare food.

She's one of those weirdos who doesn't really like mashed potatoes. So I improvised. Plus, I wanted her to have something at least somewhat healthy; eating pudding and mac and cheese all day is not ideal. (I didn't say it wasn't tasty; just not ideal.) I treated her to some braised short ribs and garlic mashed cauliflower. Most people don't like cauliflower, I know. But this recipe rocks. And there's lots of garlic.

Serves: 6 Time: 25 minutes

Ingredients: 1 head of cauliflower (about 2.5 pounds) 3-4 garlic cloves, smashed 3 tablespoons heavy cream 2 tablespoons olive oil 1 tablespoon butter 3/4 teaspoon salt, plus additional to taste Pinch of white pepper, plus additional to taste

1. Roughly chop the cauliflower into 2" chunks. Add to a medium sauce pan, add garlic and cover with water. Let simmer over medium-high heat until cooked through and easily pierced with a fork, about 10-12 minutes.

2. Transfer cauliflower and garlic to a food processor or blender. Add the cream, olive oil and butter and process until smooth. Add the salt and pepper, seasoning to taste.