Rooting for Beets

Furthering my mission to get people eating vegetables they think they don't like, today I present to you the humble beet. I don't know what it is about beets that is so terrifying to people (are you worried they might get on your clothes?), but they are truly deserving of your love and affection. They are rich in fiber and nutrients they contain pretty much every vitamin in the alphabet, and are a sweet treat to eat.

Beets are wonderful in salads, as a side-dish, baked and salted like homefries- you name it. The easiest way to cook beets is to boil them for 30-40 minutes, or until you can easily poke them with a paring knife. For an added flavor-kick, throw some orange peels in the water with them as they boil. Once they are cooked, let them cool for a few moments and then the skin should peel off easily (you may want to wear gloves while you peel 'em, or it won't just be your little finger that's pinky- harhar).

Here's my recipe for a killer beet sandwich that you really should try. Yeah, you heard me - a beet sandwich. Don't knock it till you've tried it.

Beet Sandwich
1 cooked beet, peeled and sliced into rounds
1 handful arugula or watercress (or mesclun greens)
2 tablespoons herbed goat cheese
2 slices sourdough or farm bread, toasted

Spread the goat cheese on both pieces of bread. Place the beets and greens inside. Enjoy.

A final (somewhat delicate) note on beets, important to know if you have never eaten them: they may cause your pee to be a little red the next day. Don't worry- you aren't dying (at least not of that). In the immortal words of the King of Pop, "Just Beet It".

beet photo: Purdue, sandwich photo: Martha Stewart Radio Blog