Celeriac: The Bible Says

Mark Bittman's book, "How to Cook Everything" (or "The Bible") includes the following recipe for Celeriac and Potato Purée:

Ingredients:

1 pound celeriac (2 small knobs or 1 large one), peeled

1 pound baking potatoes, such as Idaho or Russet, peeled

Salt

3 tbsp butter

1/2 cup milk or cream, warmed

Freshly ground black pepper to taste

Minced fresh parsley leaves for garnish

1. Cut the celeriac and potatoes into roughly equal-sized pieces, 1 or 2 inches in diameter. Place in a pot with water to cover; add a handful of salt. Bring to a boil and cook until both potatoes and celeriac are tender, about 15 minutes.

2. Drain the vegetables well and rinse out the pot. (You may prepare the recipe in advance up to this point; refrigerate, well wrapped or in a covered container, for up to 2 days before proceeding.) Put the vegetables through a food mill placed over the pot, or mash them with a large fork or potato masher. Add the butter and, gradually, the milk, beating with a wooden spoon. When the mixture is smooth, season it with salt and pepper and serve, keep warm, or allow to cool for reheating later. Garnish before serving.

Goes well with meats cooked in liquid, according to Bittman (whatever that means.)

Colcannon

Our potatoes are coming in just in time to cook up this traditional Irish Halloween dish.

Ingredients:
1 pound greens

1 pound potatoes

2 leeks (can also use scallions or yellow onion)

1 cup milk

salt and pepper to taste

1 pinch ground mace

1/4 cup butter

1/4 cup grated sharp cheddar cheese

Directions:

Chop greens and saute until tender. Set aside and keep warm. Boil potatoes until tender. Remove from heat and drain.

Chop leeks, green parts as well as white, and simmer them in just enough milk to cover, until they are soft. (If you are using scallions or onions, you can also saute them with the greens)

Season and mash potatoes well. Stir in cooked leeks and milk. Blend in the greens and heat until the whole is a pale green fluff. Make a well in the center and pour in the melted butter and cheese. Mix well.