Sunchokes (also known as Jerusalem artichokes) and celery root are two non-traditional root vegetables in season now. These were found at Vons on Stockdale Highway. Photo by Jennifer Baldwin

By Michelle Beck

All of the rain we’ve gotten lately has been terrific for my garden. My fruit trees look like they are getting ready to bud, as does the boysenberry vine. On the other hand, the wind preceding the rain last week took out the top two feet of the sugar snap pea plant along with two sections of our side fence. So many blossoms and young peas lost! The warm spring weather should get everything growing again, though, so I still expect to have a fair number of snap peas for snacking.

On another green note, I’ve noticed many kinds of eco-friendly cleaning products in the stores lately. Seventh Generation is always a good bet, and I noticed that Martha Stewart is partnering with Hain on a new line.

Personally, I try to limit the number and type of chemicals in my life, and find some of the best cleaning products in my pantry. I love using white vinegar and water on our wood laminate floors. I also wash our windows with vinegar and water. Costco and Smart and Final have big containers of white vinegar for a very low price.

I also try to buy eco-friendly dishwashing and laundry soaps. The phosphates in regular soaps can cause problems when the water run-off creates algae blooms, which choke fish and plants. Places like Trader Joe’s, Lassen’s and Target carry a good assortment of eco-friendly cleaning products.

Every time I see those Swiffer commercials with the mop or feather duster stalking the former owner, I cringe, and not just because the commercials are so irritating. Choosing re-usable cleaning supplies is one of the simplest and most eco-friendly choices a consumer can make. Single-use products such as Swiffer pads and disinfecting wipes clog landfills. For my floors, I use a dust mop with a washable microfiber cover. I have two covers for sweeping and one cover for mopping.  I have used the Swiffer in the past, and I think the dust mop works better. I also use my vacuum, which works on carpet or hard floors. I use rags for cleaning up spills and wiping down surfaces.

Celery Root

Winter is the time for root vegetables, and many people are only familiar with potatoes and carrots. It’s unfortunate, because many other delicious root vegetables are available. Celery root, also known as celeriac, is a good example. Celery root has a celery-like flavor and can be used raw or cooked in much the same way as potatoes.

Here are some recipes using celery root:

Celery root and apple soup

Celery root puree

Roasted celery root

Celeriac salad

Rutabagas

Rutabagas are yet another under-appreciated root vegetable. They look a little like turnips, but are bigger and more elongated. Rutabagas also have a similar texture and flavor to potatoes, but are sweeter. I peeled some the other night, drizzled them with olive oil, sprinkled them with salt and garlic powder, then roasted them in a 450 degree oven for 15 minutes. They had a very nice flavor and would have mashed easily.

Here are a couple rutabaga recipes:

Rutabaga, turnip and carrot soup

Rutabagas with caramelized onions

This will sound strange, but my great-grandmother used to make a chocolate-potato-spice cake, and it was delicious. Here is a recipe for rutabaga spice cake.

Jerusalem Artichoke

Jerusalem artichokes, also called sunchokes, are neither from Jerusalem nor are they artichokes. They are actually a species of sunflower and are native to the United States. The roots have a somewhat sunflower-seed-potato flavor, and can also be used in the same way as potatoes. Trader Joe’s often carries fresh-looking ones, and I have also seen them at Save Mart. Examine the package closely, though, because like most vegetables, they are far better fresh.

Here are a few recipes using Jerusalem artichokes:

Spring vegetable frittata

Jerusalem artichoke and carrot gratin

Jerusalem artichoke and potato mash

Orange Chocolate Chip Cookies

If you are still enjoying your (or your neighbor’s) orange crop, this is a fun variation on chocolate chip cookies. I love orange and chocolate together. To make them gluten-free, I use the Betty Crocker GF cookie mix, add a teaspoon or so of orange zest, then roll them in an orange zest/sugar mixture. You could also use the regular Toll House cookie recipe and just make the changes like I did.

Here is a chocolate-orange-chocolate chip variation.