Cole Crops are a group of veggies that belong to the mustard family – Brassicaceae. The varieties included in this family are Broccoli, Cauliflower, Cabbage, Brussel Sprouts, Kale and Collards, and Kohlrabi.

My garden gifts me wonderful things all year long, but this year I think it sensed I needed a bit more…maybe a sign?

It seems to me that many times in our adult lives we abandon our bliss too quickly when we run into obstacles; not allowing time to figure a way through or around the thing blocking our way.

A beautiful and ancient monocot, the leek is, as far as I’m concerned, a necessity in any serious cool season culinary garden.

“Remind me to tell you about the time I looked into the heart of an artichoke.”
Bette Davis as Margo Channing in ‘All About Eve’ (1950)

I know that it’s likely that you’ve dashed your nutritional New Year’s Resolutions to bits by now so I felt compelled to sing the praises of these ‘gentle giants’ of the cool season garden just so you’re armed with the “411” when you regain your nutritional sanity in time for spring and summer! So… here we go.

As we are digging ourselves out of the snow banks or watching the flood water recede and preparing for the next winter storm, I will wager dollars to dahlias that we are dreaming of our spring gardens! Isn’t that how gardeners spend their New Years?

“How luscious lies the pea within the pod.” ~ Emily Dickinson

Ok…foundation work is done so now on to the fun part – planning the planting list! This meant that it was time to meet with mar’sel’s chef, Michael Fiorelli, to discuss his fall menu. “My inspiration comes from farmers who dedicate their lives to respecting the earth and their local communities. A great dish starts with the freshest seasonal ingredients.” Chef explained in a recent interview.