When I was in Portland recently, I tasted turnips for the first time without thinking they were just another form of rutabaga – in other words – old, starchy tubers.

The pickled turnips I ate at Nedd Ludd restaurant were small, tender and sweet; a revelation.

A few days later I took some home from the farmer’s market, tiny, bright garnet – colored babies that looked very much like radishes.

I cooked them simply, inspired by Julia Child. After blanching them briefly I cooked them again in a skillet until they were glazed in caramelized butter.

I liked them so much I was inspired to post the recipe on my other blog, Dinner with Julia. It’s been months since I’ve had a chance to do that…go check it out for the recipe.

Happy Birthday, Julia!