It's hard to imagine being puzzled by a vegetable. Still, you don't often encounter a 24-inch stalk that's edible from the leaves on top to the round buds on its stem.

The next time you see Brussels sprout stalks in the produce section, don't look at them as curiosities.

Think about how much flavor and fun you can enjoy with a full-stemmed member of the Brassica oleracea family.

Put a couple of stalks in the grocery cart. As you head for checkout, reimagine all the ways you love to cook Brussels sprouts.