and the BEET goes on.......

Many varied opinions seem to surround beets... most people I know claim to "hate" them...  if they only knew of all the wonderful vitamin and minerals they contain, maybe they would change their tune?

Beets are high in folate, antioxidants and potassium. Like most vegetables they are very low in calories and contribute fiber to the diet. They were also named one of the "11 Best Foods You Aren’t Eating", by the New York Times.

Roasting beets intensifies their flavor, brings out their earthy sweetness, and makes their peels as easy to peel off as an oversized sweater!

Basic Roasted Beet Salad is my favorite but you can always jazz it up with a fried Goat Cheese Crouton, or a piece of Grilled Bread topped with Herbed Goat Cheese Spread......

Roasted Beets

Method

4 medium beets (about 1 1/2 pounds or 1 bunch)

1 tablespoon olive oil

Salt

Freshly ground black pepper

Fresh Thyme

-toss all above ingredients and roast in a 375* oven for 45 minutes, or until fork tender.

Let rest until cool. Then, using a paper towel, (to avoid dying your hands pink) rubb off the skins.

your beets are now ready for your favorite recipe!

Basic Beet Salad

Method

1 bunch roasted beets, cut into bite size wedges

1 lemon, juiced

1 tsp of red wine vinegar

1 tbls of extra virgin olive oil

1/2 red onion, very thinly sliced

1/4 c torn fresh basil & parsely

salt & Pepper, to taste

Method

-toss all above ingredients and allow to marinate for at least 1/2 an hour

-enjoy

Roasted Fennel with Olives & Fresh Lemon

You would be surprised how Roasting brings out fennel's sweet side....this is a delicious & healthy recipe....

Start by cutting the tops off of your whole fennel, cut it in half lengthwise so the roots stay in tact and your cut wedges don't fall apart.

then toss with olive oil, salt & pepper. 

Brown fennel on each side in cast iron skillet then transfer to a baking dish.

At this point I add my mixed olives, fresh lemon zest & roast for 20 minutes at 425*

Remove from the oven and squeeze fresh lemon all over.

Serve & enjoy- what a treat! so addicting-



Famous Roasted Carrots

Nothing could be easier than these good for you roasted carrots!

Carrots are an excellent source of antioxidants & vitamin A. Carrots' antioxidant compounds help protect against cardiovascular disease, cancer and also promote good vision!

                                                     So try this sweet as candy recipe!

Toss the carrots with olive oil , a pinch of sugar & a few tabs of unsalted butter for the richest flavor and deepest color..... And don’t forget to always season with salt and pepper!

Cook the carrots hot and fast: 475 degrees for 20 minutes or so. The intense heat promotes rapid caramelization, which, in turn, leaves the interiors delicious & moist!