Turnips don’t exactly have a fan club, do they?
But after last night, I’m starting to think they might deserve one—and I may just be the president of that club.
Turnips are one of those vegetables people say they don’t like… or maybe they’ve just never really given them a chance. After Easter dinner yesterday, I think my son Paul may have changed his mind about this humble little vegetable.
Growing up, my mother and grandmother (who lived next door) always cooked vegetables from my dad’s wonderful garden. Things like turnips, speckled butterbeans, and Jerusalem artichokes would regularly appear on the table. I can’t say I ever really tried them—I definitely wasn’t the kid asking for seconds.
Funny enough, the only time I truly appreciated a turnip was years later when I was catering. I once turned one into a beautiful pink rose (see picture below) for a platter garnish. It looked impressive… but I still wasn’t interested in eating it.