Rutabagas

Every year mashed rutabagas appear on our Thanksgiving table. When I was younger, I wouldn't touch them because I didn't know what they were. But now that I'm older and my palate's matured, I'm a huge fan. Also, the word "rutabaga" is just too fun to say! As it turns out, a rutabaga, known in Europe as a "swede," is a cross between a turnip and a wild cabbage. It's a sweet vegetable with definite hints of cabbage and turnip in its flavor profile. There are many ways to prepare this root, but mashing them is a tradition in my family. Read on for a simple recipe for mashed rutabagas.

Party and I have been really obsessed with crockpots lately. I thought we'd prepared just about every kind of meat dish there is (beef chili, Cuban chicken, short ribs, you name it) — until I came across a corned beef and cabbage recipe. It was so hands-off, I was convinced it would be too good to be true.

The result wasn't too good to be true, but it was admittedly way too easy. If you can chop vegetables and place them with meat in a bowl, then you can make a St. Patrick's Day spread of meltingly tender corned beef, braised cabbage, and root vegetables. Consider it your veritable pot o' gold — just remember not to peek! For the recipe, read more.