Albino Veggies Should Blush

If white twinkling lights are elegant and creamy cashmere is a classic, why do we keep forgetting about the lonely colorless veggies? White veggies may be shy at the party, but they're secretly blushing inside with nutritional pride.

• Cauliflower -- fantastic source of vitamin C, and its glucosinolates are linked to a reduced risk of several types of cancer and lower blood pressure.
• Celeriac -- aka celery root, may resemble a knobby knee, but it's high in potassium, vitamin K and a solid source of vitamin C, phosphorus, manganese, vitamin B-6 and fiber. Possibly an osteoporosis-fighter, too.
• Parsnips - good source of vitamin C, fiber, potassium, folate and a heart-healthy B vitamin. Stir steamed sweet, nutty parsnips with your mashed potatoes for less starch. I add chopped parsnips into my chicken noodle soup.
• White beans -- with half your daily fiber needs in just one cup, they offer plenty of phosphorus, protein, potassium and folate, too.
  
• Onions -- who can forget onions? A best source for quercetin, a phytonutrient protecting against lung cancer, diabetes, death from heart disease and Alzheimer's disease.

Balance the bright-light vegetables with winter whites and you'll have a healthier body and admiring guests. Here's a recipe for steamed green and white vegetables without an ounce of fat, along with a gallery of beautiful winter whites.