Wash, drain and remove outer leaves; cut and trim stems. Usually cauliflower is broken into small florets, but it can also be cooked whole. Steaming a whole cauliflower takes 20 to 30 minutes.

To microwave cauliflower pieces, place in microwave-safe baking dish with 1/2 cup of water. Cover with plastic wrap, cook at high (rotating the dish at half-time) for 8 to 10 minutes or until stem ends are tender. Let stand, covered, 2 to 3 minutes before serving.

To microwave cauliflower whole, clean, trim and wrap in plastic wrap. Place, sealed edges down, on microwave-safe serving dish. Cook at high for 3 minutes, turn over, and cook at high for 3 minutes more or until tender. Let stand, covered, 3 minutes before serving.

Stir-frying cooks cauliflower quicker than steaming, so be sure to check for tenderness as you cook.

Cauliflower is superb lightly dusted with grated Parmesan or Cheddar cheese, or coated with a delicate cheese sauce. It marinates well for mixed vegetable salads and is good in curries.