The Root of our Family Tree

Celeriac, otherwise known as Knob Celery, has been

the root of our family tree longer than I've been around.

OFD  is when we all enjoy it in a salad made very much

like German Potato Salad.  In fact it's virtually identical,

except that the knobs are used in place of boiled potatoes.

And the keeper of the tradition (Mom) includes chicory 

leaves for garnish and texture.  They're tangy and add a

slight crunch.  They happen to be my favorite part.

It's a grotesque looking vegetable, with roots and knobs

protruding in all directions, and I imagine most folks are 

just plain scared to tackle the thing.  The stalks resemble 

celery, but are more tough and bitter than their cousins.

The prize is definitely the bulbous root.  The whole root

is boiled in salted water in its jacket 'til tender, cooled, 

and then peeled and cubed.  Next step is to toss the cubes

in a simple vinaigrette with thinly sliced onions and chicory

and left to sit, marinating.  Close to service is when

mayonnaise is folded in, although not too much, just enough

to coat all involved, and then salt and pepper to taste.

It's a cold side dish to an otherwise warm array of 

accompaniments (except for cranberries which I don't 

dislike but have never found a use for on THXG).

You'll find yourself raiding the fridge early Thanksgiving

Friday morning, in your underwear, eating it from the 

tupperware with a fork, alternating bites with tugs of 

cold milk straight from the jug.