This week we'll explore versatile farro and a special shake recipe that you'll never believe is made from cauliflower. We'll also delve into fall rainbows and a goodbye to summer.

Eat Colorfully

Seasonal Ingredient Spotlight: FARRO

Although it's not inherently seasonal, I've been loving farro as a bridge from summer food to fall food. Farro is an ancient whole grain from the wheat family; it's easy to cook, is delightfully chewy, has a delicious nutty taste, and soaks up flavor better than other grains without getting soggy. It also keeps well in the fridge for several days, so it's a great option for busy fall weeknights. It even has some protein.

You can use this delightful grain in a myriad of ways. I like to cook a big batch and then use it the next few days tossed into a salad, as a component in a bowl meal, or with a simple sauce as a side dish.

Looking for specific ideas? I have numerous farro recipes on my blog since it's such a go-to in our house.

• If you're looking for something light and summery, this Grilled Peach and Farro Salad is for you.
• If you want an easy weeknight option, this Mediterranean Farro Salad can accommodate whatever veggies you have on-hand.
• If you want to try a new and adventurous sauce, you'll swoon over this Roasted Cauliflower and Farro Salad with Lemon Turmeric Sauce.
• If you're ready for fall comfort food, nothing beats this cozy Turmeric Farro "Risotto" on a cool evening.

Special Recipe: BROWNIE BATTER CAULIFLOWER BLIZZARD

This week, I'm excited to share my FAVORITE nostalgic treat with you. Inspired by the classic Dairy Queen Blizzard, this Brownie Batter Cauliflower Blizzard is just as delicious but much more nourishing. It's rich in fiber and plant-based protein and is low in sugar and carbs thanks to a surprising base of frozen cauliflower.

​Curious about using veggies in smoothies? Then I think you'll love my e-book, Blend the Rainbow. It contains eight colorful smoothies that are based in vegetables rather than fruit (similar to this Cauliflower Blizzard, but themed by color). You can explore the e-book here (it's $5).

Ingredients

• 1.5 c frozen cauliflower
• 0.5 - 1 c soy milk or chickpea milk. These two plant milks are high in protein and low in sugar/carbs. This recipe will work fine with a different milk, but it won't be as protein-rich and the texture may feel less indulgent.
• 2 scoops (one serving) of chocolate protein powder. I love Sprout Living; use the code ROGUE at checkout to save 20%.
• 1-3 pitted dates. Optional, for adding sweetness.
• Quarter or half of a chocolate protein bar. Look for options with a small number of whole-food ingredients (or even better, make your own Larabars at home).
• Garnishes or toppings. Feel free to add some coconut whip and/or sprinkles to enhance the brownie vibe.

Directions

1. Cut the protein bar into very small pieces.
2. Combine the frozen cauliflower, 0.5 c milk, chocolate protein powder, and a pitted date in a high-powered blender.
3. Blend until a smooth, creamy texture develops. If you have a hard time getting a smooth blend, add more milk in small increments, re-blending after each addition. This recipe will work best if it's VERY THICK (just like the DQ Blizzard).
4. Taste and adjust as you see fit. You can always add another date or two if you want the Blizzard sweeter.
5. Add about half of the protein bar pieces and pulse the blender several more times until they are evenly incorporated.
6. Pour the Blizzard into a serving glass. Top it with the remaining protein bar pieces and (if desired) coconut whip and/or sprinkles.

Live Colorfully

In the Natural World: FALL RAINBOWS

Think rainbows are only for spring and summer? Think again. Fall is actually a great time to see rainbows for a few reasons.

Most importantly, we can only see rainbows when the sun is relatively low in the sky. During the summer, the sun is much higher in the sky; conversely, as we move into fall, the lower sun angle creates prime rainbow conditions. Second, at least depending on where you live, fall can be wet. Since you need water droplets in the air to refract the incoming sunlight and create the array of colors, having rain or another source of airborne water droplets is a prerequisite for seeing rainbows.

If you want to try to track down some rainbows over the next couple months, wait for times with scattered showers (since you need both a source of rain and a source of directed light at the same time). When you have the right conditions, look for rainbows in places where there are dark clouds opposite the sun.

Self-Care Pick: GOODBYE TO SUMMER

Is anyone else struggling with saying goodbye to summer? Personally speaking, I have a hard time mentally as the days get shorter and the temperatures get cooler. I know that some of you are excited for back-to-school energy and the onset of "cozy season", and I admire you for that attitude. But in my brain, fall makes me feel like a tiger getting stuffed back inside a cage after months of being free in the jungle.

Throughout the fall, I'll be sharing some specific tips for taking care of yourself during this time of year, coping with less daylight, and staying healthy during cold and flu season, so stay tuned for those pieces over the coming weeks. But for now, I just want to point out that it's okay to have times when you know you're more vulnerable and you choose to be gentler with yourself.

If this is you, then maybe fall is a time to prioritize your health more proactively, carve out some additional time for self-care, start a new routine that makes you feel good, get more sleep, and in general be kinder to yourself. One simple place to start might be making sure you have a nourishing, well-balanced breakfast even on busy mornings; this green electrolyte + protein smoothie is my daily must-have and I think you'll love it.

What are YOU doing this fall to prioritize your well-being? Please let me know (and send me good vibes this week as I return to full-time work in my research lab at my university... I'm going "back to school" too).

Thanks for joining me for this issue of Eat Colorfully, Live Colorfully! I'd love to hear from you, so please feel free to reply with questions, thoughts, or requests. If you missed a previous issue, you can view all my newsletters here. Have a great week!