Turnips catch 'Cacio de Pepe' fever

[Jenise]

So says an article in Plate Magazine referring to an Israeli restaurant in Nashville, of all places. I'm greatly intrigued by this description:

"You expect a certain amount of mezze options at an Israeli restaurant, and Nashville’s Butcher & Bee does not disappoint, with a dozen offerings, from grilled radishes with green tahini to whipped feta with fermented honey. But it was the turnip cacio e pepe that caught my eye, because… sure, why not? I believe everything should have the opportunity to get the cacio e pepe treatment, and thankfully, Butcher & Bee Chef Bryan Lee Weaver agrees. The thinly shaved turnips welcome their bath in butter, cheese and pepper, making this a fun, tasty way to kick off a meal."

So who cooks turnips?

Neeps? Never.

But, the other day, I did see a menu offering a starter nibbles plate named "Cacio e Popcorn".

[Jenise]

Neeps? Never.

But, the other day, I did see a menu offering a starter nibbles plate named "Cacio e Popcorn".

ARGH!

I cook turnips two ways. The small Japanese white ones get gently cooked and finished in butter, and once or twice I've also lightly cooked same in sangiovese to create an en pointe garnish for an Italian terrine.

But I've never gone outside that bracket, except to eat them raw. Like rutabegas (which are delish raw, btw), it's a relatively untapped part of the vegetable kingdom for me, probably in large part because they're not green.

I love steamed turnips. Traditionally I place them atop greens (mustard, turnips, collards) and serve them together. I also like them in Japanese quick pickles I make with corned beef or other roasted meats. A Winter meal is just not a good winter meal without the presence of turnip or parsnip sometime during the season.

[Jenise]

I'll have to try that, Jo Ann. I would love them steamed AND with greens. What a healthy, low carb dish that would make too--I need to lose weight and that's exactly the kind of food I should be eating.

I'll have to try that, Jo Ann. I would love them steamed AND with greens. What a healthy, low carb dish that would make too--I need to lose weight and that's exactly the kind of food I should be eating.

Add a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes and a splash of vinegar to that. Yum! I need to lose weight right now too. I’ve been gobbling roasted cauliflower or broccoli like crazy. Both really tasty. Good luck with that.

[Jenise]

Thanks. Good luck to you, too.

I lost 8 pounds before we left for L.A., gained five of that back while away, and have lost three of that since getting home Wednesday night. Lots more to go, but getting my brain in gear to say no, cook leaner and push away from the table sooner than later is truly the hardest part, and I'm about there.

Good to you. I’m far from it. Need to drop about 15, hopefully in the next 3 months. I’m roasting turkey breasts and upping the greens. Drinking seltzer water instead of a Coke a day. And cutting out alcohol. That last is the hardest. I love a gin and tonic or rum and coke at night while I’m watching tv or playing Sudoku. SIGH!

[Jenise]

Yeah, the alcohol is tough for me, too. Wine has a tendency to flow whenever I'm around, and I practically have to check out of the world at large in order to avoid it. The three weeks in which I lost eight pounds was alchohol free, and though I did miss wine with certain foods it was actually nice going without. I had more energy, I realized, than I do when we drink more frequently.

I also have to avoid eating too much meat to make up for the carbs that aren't on my plate. Breakfast is the toughest meal.