The Tale Of The Talking Turnips

Alright, I have to confess something weird. Today I heard voices.

Now, while you digest that much, let me tell you that it's going to get weirder. 

They were the voices of turnips.

I know. This was either a strange episode of VeggieTales or I need to cut back on the Dr Pepper. I have no better explanation.

But it's true. I ran into Whole Foods Market to pick up a package of beef for dinner, and as I was pondering my choices and thinking about what I might prepare for side dishes, I heard a chorus of small but determined voices calling, "Turnips!! Choose turnips!!"

This has never, ever happened to me before. 

Intrigued, compelled, I immediately grabbed any old cut of meat and headed straight for the produce section. 

I followed the pleading voices, for they were still calling to me, until I found this lovely display of purple and white turnips in the farthest corner of the store. 

LOOK HOW BEAUTIFUL THEY ARE. 

We were meant to be together.

Never mind the fact that I have never bought turnips before. I've never cooked with them. Heck, I've never even eaten them before. But they were calling to me, and they were so cute, and that was all that mattered.

Without a word, I bagged up a goodly portion and headed to check-out. The woman who rang me up asked me what I was going to make with my gorgeous turnips. I had no idea. So I muttered something about olive oil and fresh black pepper, but all I could hear was the contented purring of the turnips in my bag. 

A few hours later, I turned up a simple recipe for roasted turnips with Parmesan cheese and tweaked it just a bit to go something like this:

Ingredients:
4 medium turnips, unpeeled, cut into wedges
2 T olive oil
cayenne pepper, nutmeg, salt, and black pepper
1/4 cup Parmesan cheese

Directions:
1. Slice the turnips, stir in first the olive oil and then the spices and Parmesan cheese.

2. Pour everything into a cast iron skillet and cook in the oven at 475 degrees for 20-25 minutes or until tender, stirring gently every now and then.

3. Eat. 

Oh my gosh. They were so delicious. Even my family, who had not been so keen on the idea of trying a talking vegetable, quickly got on board the turnip train. My serving bowl was almost emptied before I remembered to take a quick photo.

In conclusion, I have three pieces of advice for you, dear reader.

1. Try this recipe. It's really good.

2. Be open to trying new foods. Especially cute vegetables.

3. Accept the reality that vegetables can not only talk but sing!