What's cooking this season

Winter is a season to enjoy the planting
and harvesting of previous seasons.
Winter and the flavor of some winter vegetables speak of
unforgettable lands. Some winter vegetables, particularly cabbage
and brussels sprouts –known as miniature cabbages– originated in
Europe while kale, a leafy vegetable, came from the Middle East. All
these winter vegetables have their own appeal and challenge the
cook at the same time.
Slow cooking is part of the winter’s mood –roasting, baking a
casserole or the simmering of stew requires caution and patience.
The season’s produce cries for attention and requires slow cooking
before releasing its bitterness and turning sweet. Baby kale is
becoming popular with children who may be invited to prepare
the most daring salads, mixing it with nuts, winter fruits such as
grapefruits and dry fruits.
What is cooking in winter also includes spinach, more herbs, broccoli,
cauliflower, mushrooms and more leafy greens. Fruits available in the
winter include oranges, lemons and grapefruits with a mix of tropical
fruits from other lands available in the markets. The winter season
creates an appetite that may extend from the personal to the more
social to encourage all to cook a satisfying meal during the holidays.
53