Rutabagas should feel very firm, and the skin should be taut and smooth. Try to find roots that are heavy for their size, and avoid any with wrinkles. This means that they are old and might be woody. Rutabagas are usually coated with wax, so peel them before cooking. Remove the stem end, then peel... 

A ripe avocado will yield to gentle pressure. Hass avocados (the variety with the thick, pebbly skin) also show their ripeness by changing color from green to purple-black. Green-skin varieties do not darken and only show their ripeness by getting soft. To speed the ripening process, place in a paper... 

Leeks look like oversized green onions, but have a milder, subtler flavor. The Roman emperor, Nero, believed that leeks improved his singing voice, and he ate leek soup every day. Choose leeks with bright green leaves and a white bulb. Store (unwashed) in a plastic bag in the refrigerator for up to 5... 

Don’t let celery root’s homely, knobby appearance fool you. Its fresh parsley-celery flavor is a favorite in northern Europe, and few who try it dislike it. Look for small to medium-size, heavy roots. Press the stalk end of the root to make sure it is not soft (which indicates a spongy interior)... 

This recipe was born one night when I didn’t have too much to do. I guess the only surprise about it is that it tastes so good! Ingredients 1/2 cup chopped walnuts 1 Tbsp butter 1 onion, chopped 1/2 teaspoon minced garlic 1 cup uncooked instant brown rice 1 cup vegetable broth 1 pound fresh broccoli... 

I made these up years ago and have been making them ever since. They are always a big hit. These potatoes make a wonderful side dish for any meal and are terrific heated up the next day for lunch. Ingredients 4 large baking potatoes 8 slices bacon 1 cup sour cream 1/2 cup milk 4 Tbsps butter 1/2 teaspoon... 

Ingredients salt and pepper to taste 2 (14.5 ounce) cans green beans, drained 1 medium head garlic – peeled and sliced 3 Tbsps olive oil 1 Tbsp butter 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese Directions In a large skillet over medium heat, melt butter with olive oil; add garlic, and cook until lightly browned,... 

Ingredients sea salt or kosher salt olive oil Russet potatoes Directions Clean your potatoes with a stiff-bristled brush and cold water. After you’ve throughly cleaned the potatoes, look them over and remove any bruises or miscolored spots. Using your average fork work your way around each potato... 

Looks similar to colcannon, but champ is native to the North of Ireland. It’s made by blending scallions or green onions with creamy mashed potatoes. Great on it’s own, served steaming hot with extra butter which will melt through it. But it’s also the perfect side dish for good quality... 

Select fresh-looking baby vegetables that are firm and crisp. They can be stored in plastic bags in the refrigerator, but use them as soon as possible. Unlike their larger relatives, baby beets and turnips do not need to be cooked. Wash, trim and serve baby vegetables os a garnish, or marinate for cold...