It's Not Easy Being Green

While I've been romancing the romanesco, my kids have been fomenting a full-on rebellion."Where's the beef? What'd you do with the butter?" They're sneaking off to In-N-Out the minute my back is turned, I just know it... When I asked for the verdict on this lovely warm balsamic-braised salad of broccoli, shiitakes, and tomatoes, the diplomatic response was, "Well, the blandness of the veggies covers the horrible bitter taste of the arugula."

It's not easy being green. People look upon me with pity; "Really? You're only eating vegetables these days? That must be so hard for a foodie like you..." Explaining that I want to do this, that so much of what I've read lately convinces me the surest path to optimum health is paved with greens, garners me a lot of blanks stares. I don't mind. I'm certainly not going to force my ideas on anybody else.

My family, though, is obliged to humor me just a little. They have to at least try it, then they can smother it in bacon bits and sour cream and shredded cheddar. They can have my dinner with a side of pork tenderloin. I'm not giving up; I'll let the results speak for themselves. Now, pass the kale chips, please. And yes, I actually like them.

Fractals are Food

Romanesco broccoli is one of nature's most stunning works of graphic art. A self-similar fractal form, Romanasco's logarithmic spirals are a perfect illustration of the Fibonacci sequence. Fibonacci probably had this for lunch, sautéed in olive oil and dusted with finely-grated Pecorino Romano. It also makes a unique conversation-starting centerpiece for your dining room table. Come on, you know you want to try it...

Treasure Box

A remarkable transformation has recently taken place in our kitchen, brought about by a weekly delivery of organic fruits and vegetables from Farm Fresh To You. Lately, I've become more and more leery of feeding my children anything that comes in a box off the supermarket shelf. So when mice invaded our pantry a few weeks back, it gave me the opportunity to make a clean sweep. Participating in a CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) program seemed like the next step in the right direction.

Frankly, I harbored doubts as to how thrilled anyone in my house would be about the wintertime offerings. I had visions of brussels sprouts ten ways. The first week, though, they ate collard green soup with no complaints. The second week, we were all adventurous enough to try sautéed pea shoots for the first time. True, there are some things I've never seen, much less eaten, but I love the challenge.

This week the kids crowded around the box in anticipation, waiting to see what was inside; the closer we get to spring, the more treasures the box holds. Claire and Jack sat down on the spot and ate an entire bunch of fresh Nantes carrots, with plans to plant the little green tops in the morning. They completely ignored the boxes of Valentine's chocolates sitting on the counter. Priceless!

The box we receive not only comes loaded with fresh organic delectables, it also contains an informational sheet that includes enticing recipes, and a heartwarming newsletter from Thaddeus, the farm manager. "The farm is cold and wet. Many of the fields lay fallow, waiting for the warmth of spring..." It's a love letter to the earth, really, and I am completely charmed. Here's to dirt under your fingernails, and kale on your table...