Broccolini is back in the holiday Bag along with Curly kale, cauliflower, Cherry Belle radishes, squash, sage and a colorful palette of sweet potatoes: Towles farm white and purples plus the orange classics from Gallup Farms.

I found a pair of write-ups by Southern Living that provide everything you need to know about the subtle differences of the white and purple sweet potatoes compared to the conventional orange type. I’m combining the orange spud with one left over from my last Bag in an African Ground Nut Stew that sheds a whole new light on the humble veggie!

Hearty soups like Deborah Madison’s turnip potage have been warming my kitchen since cold temps arrived here in the Lowcountry. I found a new recipe that transforms cauliflower into a comforting, creamy cup of love I’m eager to put to the test.

My daughter Liz and I joined forces in the kitchen when she was in Charleston for the holidays last week. We vowed to use only the ingredients in my pantry and the Towles farm vegetables in my fridge. One of our faves was a Rachel Ray recipe for a creamy broccolini linguine. Another must-try recipe pairs buttery pasta with fresh sage leaves.

Feeling frisky one night, we dug a few spuds out of the crisper and decided to pair them with a sweet potato in a cheesy potato gratin. The sweet-meets-savory element added delicious depth of flavor to Julia Child’s classic recipe.

Search sweetgrass + grits for ideas for the kale, squash and radishes, and lots more on the recipes page.

Wishing y’all a bright + happy holiday table!