Boy that was like a Jeopardy Question. I won! The magic answer, sent in by our many brilliant and resourceful list subscribers is ........ SALSIFY: Grown similar to parsnips, looks similar to a big whitish carrot, texture like an oyster, taste.... up to your own judgement. Seems to be well similated into soups, stews, in place of potatoes. Thanks so much to all who sent in the answer! I feel like I found the treasure. It will really make the diary less of a mystery to me. Thanks again. Carol