Romanesco

Next time you're in the supermarket produce aisle, head (no pun intended) to where the broccoli and cauliflower are and you might see a vegetable that looks like a piece of art.  It's bright green and is composed of what seems like an endless number of little points that form a mesmerizing pattern. 

This is romanesco.  A vegetable grown for generations in Italy (in the area of Rome, as the name suggests), but is only recently becoming available in the U.S.

Although sometimes thought to be a hybrid of broccoli and cauliflower (both of which are from the same family), it's actually a mutated version of cauliflower and tastes pretty much the same as the more common variety.  It can be prepared using the same methods as you would cook broccoli or cauliflower, but adds a great visual to your dinner table. 

Next time you see it in the store, take a head home with you and give it a try!  Read more about romanesco in this article from the Los Angeles Times.