Vegetables begging to be cooked

How to get yourself to eat vegetables as it gets colder, when all you want are heavy starches and broths?

Why not start with vegetables that are so beautiful they're just begging to be brought home?

Here in upstate New York we are blessed with beautiful farmer's markets; the Troy farmer's market even goes indoors in the winter so as to be open year-round! Last weekend I found brussels sprouts on the stalk, green tinged with purple. In the same family are white or purple cauliflower, kale, and then there are squash of many shapes and colors.

Easy stir-fried brussels sprouts with mushrooms:

• handful of brussels sprouts, sliced in half lengthwise
• handful of mushrooms, thinly sliced
• 2 cloves of garlic, thinly slices
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Heat olive oil in a frying pan at high heat, then add garlic and cook for a moment until fragrant, then add brussels sprouts and mushrooms, stirring the whole time. Throw in a quarter-cup of water. Cook until the water has evaporated and sprouts are just soft enough to eat but not mushy. Season with salt and pepper.