This sweet plum-dressed salsify simply tastes like nothing else. It has a unique delicate flavor that you wouldn’t expect from such a woody-looking stick.

Ingredients

　　1 pound salsify, peeled (see page 66) and cut into matchsticks

　　2 tablespoons packed light brown sugar

　　2 tablespoons plum jelly

　　3 tablespoons seasoned rice vinegar

　　2 teaspoons vegetable oil

　　1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil

　　1/2 teaspoon salt

　　1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

　　In a small saucepan, cook the salsify in boiling salted water for 10 minutes or until tender. Drain and then return the salsify to the pan. Add the brown sugar, jelly, vinegar, vegetable oil, sesame oil, salt, and pepper. Cook over low heat for 3 minutes, stirring, until the liquid thickens into a glaze.

　　A Southerly Course