Cauliflower

The humble cauliflower is having its moment, with foodies, chefs and those on low carb, gluten-free, raw, paleo and other special diets discovering new ways to use this brilliantly versatile winter vegetable. Mashed cauliflower is probably the best introduction to the "new” cauliflower, and makes a great low carb alternative to mashed potatoes. Just boil the cauliflower until soft, drain and allow all the steam to escape (the less moisture, the better), and then simply add a little butter and/or garlic and blend/puree with a stick mixer until it has the consistency of mashed potatoes. For extra flavour, add cheese and season with salt and pepper. Once you've mastered cauliflower mash, there's a whole world of cauliflower recipes to explore, like cauliflower rice, cauliflower falafel and even cauliflower pizza base! Roasted cauliflower is also delicious - just season florets with olive oil, salt and pepper and herbs, sprinkle with parmesan and roast in the oven until the edges are crispy. Cauliflower available from Everest Farm (New Brighton and Mullumbimby farmers' markets) and Summit Organics (Mullum/New Brighton).

Carrots

Baby carrots, or Dutch carrots, are a popular choice at the markets now. Matt Everest, of Everest Farm (New Brighton/Mullum), says Dutch carrots are delicious with a roast - just remove the greens from the top and throw them in whole and unpeeled with a little oil and salt and pepper with the rest of your vegies. Honeyed Dutch carrots are another classic way to enjoy them - simply steam or boil whole in salted water, then pour over a little honey and butter melted together. Dutch carrots and the larger carrot varieties are also available at Bangalow Farm (Mullum), Morrow Farm (Mullum) and Summit Organics (Mullum).

Potatoes

There are plenty of local spuds being harvested at the moment, including some fantastic varieties you're unlikely to find in the supermarket or green grocer, like the hard-to-find old English heirloom variety King Edward at farmer Mike Burless' stall Bangalow Farm (Mullum). The King Edward is a round to oval-shaped potato with smooth, pale skin and pink markings, which has a unique floury texture perfect for fluffy roast potatoes. More common potato varieties such as the Sebago, Kipfler, Nicola and the ever-popular Dutch cream are also in season at the moment - try Jumping Red Ant (New Brighton/Mullum) and Morrow Farm (Mullum), for top quality local potatoes.