Cut trimmed cauliflower into large pieces. Boil or steam cauliflower until just tender, about 5-6 minutes depending on size of pieces. Drain and rinse with cold water until cool. Allow to drain completely and press dry with a paper towel to absorb any excess moisture.
Using a food processor, pulse together cooked cauliflower, oat flour, eggs, salt and pepper until combined and cauliflower is broken down into small bits. (you want some texture remaining) Stir in parmesan cheese, green onions, and parsley.
Heat 1 tbsp of olive oil in a non stick pan over medium heat. Using approximately 1/4 cup of cauliflower mixture form into patties by scooping into a 3" ring mold set in the bottom of the pan and flatten with a spoon. Remove the ring mold and repeat for remaining cakes. Alternatively, you can drop 1/4 cup of mixture into hot pan and flatten into a 3" disk using the back of a spoon. Cook for 4-5 minutes per side until golden and keep warm uncovered in a 200℉ oven. Repeat with remaining cauliflower mixture to make a total of 8 cakes.
Avocado Sauce
Split avocado in half and remove pit. Scoop out flesh into the bowl of a food processor or blender. Add yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, salt and pepper. Blend until smooth. With processor running, slowly add water until desired consistency is reached. Taste for seasoning and spoon over eggs.
Assembly
Using the same pan from cooking the cauliflower cakes, gently warm ham or back bacon while eggs are cooking.
Fill a large shallow pan with 2"-3" of water and add 2 tbsp of white vinegar. Heat to a simmer. Poach 8 eggs by first cracking 1 egg into a small bowl and sliding egg gently into the water. Repeat with remaining eggs. Cook for 4 minutes for soft eggs. Scoop out egg using a slotted spoon and rest onto a paper towel lined plate to absorb excess water.
Top each cauliflower cake with 1 ounce of ham or back bacon. Add a poached egg to each and top with a generous spoonful of avocado sauce. Garnish with chives if desired. Serve immediately.
Recipe Notes
To make oat flour, grind 1/2 cup oatmeal in a spice grinder until flour like.
Using a mini processor or grinder, grind cinnamon hearts until powdery (some bits will remain). In a small sauce pan bring 1/3 cup water to a simmer. Whisk in cinnamon heart powder all at once, stirring constantly until starting to dissolve. Increase heat and continue to stir, melting the candy, approximately 1-2 minutes (some bits will not dissolve). Dissolve cornstarch in 2 tbsp cold water and add to liquid candy, stirring constantly. Allow to boil briefly and remove from heat. Strain while hot, removing any candy bits that refuse to dissolve. Allow to cool, stirring occasionally. Refrigerate until ready to use. Makes about 1 cup.
Cupcakes
Preheat oven to 350℉. Line 20-22 muffin tins with paper cups. In a small bowl whisk together flour, baking powder and salt. Set aside. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment beat oil and sugar together until combined. Add eggs one at a time, whisking well after each. Whisk in milk and vanilla and mix until smooth. Add dry ingredients all at once and whisk on medium low until combined. Increase speed and whisk until smooth. Add hot water and whisk on low until smooth and just incorporated.
Divide batter evenly between muffin cups, using 1/3 cup for each. Drizzle approximately 1 tsp of cinnamon heart gel over each cupcake ( I used a plastic squeezable bottle with an approximate 1/8 inch hole). Using a thin device such as a chop stick swirl cinnamon heart gel within the batter, creating swirls. Bake for 16-18 minutes or when a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Remove from oven and allow to cool in pan for 10-15 minutes before moving each cupcake to a cooling rack. Allow to cool completely before icing.
Italian Buttercream
In a medium sauce pan combine sugar and water. Attach a candy thermometer to the side of the pan and heat over medium high heat, stirring often until sugar is dissolved. Brush sides of pan with cold water to remove any sugar crystals that have formed on the side. Stop stirring and allow mixture to cook to 230℉.
When syrup reaches 230℉ start beating the egg whites in the bowl of a stand mixer fitter with a whisk attachment. Whisk egg whites until soft peaks form. When syrup reaches 240℉ remove from heat and add to egg whites in a slow steady stream with mixer on medium high speed. Egg white mixture will be smooth and glossy when all the syrup is added.
Continue to whisk until egg white mixture is no longer warm to the touch. I like to speed up the process by placing large zip lock bags with ice water around the base of the bowl. Once mixture is cool enough start adding butter by 1" chunks with mixer on high, incorporating butter as you drop it in. Once all the butter has been added, continue to whisk until smooth and light. Add vanilla and 2-3 tbsp of cinnamon heart gel and whisk to combine.
Use immediately or store in an airtight container in the fridge until ready to use. If refrigerating, allow to come to room temperature and re-whisk until smooth before continuing.
Recipe Notes
You will likely notice about the time all the butter is added that the buttercream looks separated. Â Don't panic, continue to whisk at high speed and the buttercream should come together. Â If it does not, it is likely too warm. Â Cool bowl in an ice bath briefly, stirring occasionally for a few minutes. Â Return to mixer and whisk at high speed.
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