I know that Jack climbed up a magical beanstalk, but when I saw this woody branch in my CSA basket a few days ago, I imagined him climbing up it instead, using the bulbous growths as steps all the way up to the hungry giant's lair.



There are days when the newspaper cooking gets to be too much, and all I want is a plate of steamed vegetables for dinner. That majestic stalk yielded a small serving of delicate little brussels sprouts, perfect for one not-so-hungry girl. Aren't they cute?