This winter I've been trying to get my kids to eat more beets. It has been a real challenge so far. These "fries" seem promising, though: there are plenty of similar recipes out there, but this is the best one yet. The key is to slice them thin, 1/4 inch all around. Then add just a hint of sweet tanginess, some thyme and a decent amount of salt.
Deborah Madison's Celery Root Chowder is a favorite of ours, I make it every winter when celery roots are in our CSA box. This time I served it with some fresh bread from the bakery, soft ripened cheese, and pâté, for my husband's birthday. Pâté is one of his favorite things that we almost never eat. We also almost never have Manhattans with dinner.
This is an old favorite, from Deborah Madison's Local Flavors, p. 209. I'll serve it with bread and our favorite cheese from Cowgirl Creamery. For more info, see my post on this meal.
Winter is ending and so is my family's enjoyment of celery root and leeks. It happens predictably and without fail, this tiring of seasonal produce, every season, every year. We crave something new as the temperature shifts, our ability to be satisfied adapting with the weather. Only a stellar recipe can prevent much of the CSA box from going into the compost bin during these transitional times.