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Spring Beets

Fred once threatened to reveal Monsier Jean Charest’s dislike of beets to the world, along the lines of President George Bush’s broccoligate. ā€œHe stared at me while his goons were considering my removal—not funny, not funny at all.ā€ This way of making beets is delicious. Fred prefers red beets; he finds the yellow ones taste like house-brand diet soda.

Recipe information

  • Yield

    Serves 4

Ingredients

8 small beets with leafy tops
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
Salt and pepper
1 teaspoon cider vinegar
Smoked Cheddar (page 164) for finishing
Chopped fresh parsley, dill, or chives for garnish

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Rinse the beets under cold running water, then cut off the leafy tops, leaving 1 inch (2.5 cm) of the stem intact. Roughly chop the beet tops into 1-inch pieces and set aside. Put the beets in a saucepan, add water to cover, and place over high heat. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium and simmer for about 30 minutes, or until the skins slip off easily. Drain and slice the beets.

    Step 2

    In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the beets and cook, turning as needed, for 5 minutes, or until slightly brown and roasted. Add the reserved leaves, season with salt and pepper, and then add the vinegar. Cook for another 2 minutes, or until the leaves are wilted.

    Step 3

    Transfer the beets to a serving plate. Garnish with the herbs, grate a little of the cheese over the top, and serve.

Cookbook cover of The Art of Living According to Joe Beef: A Cookbook of Sorts by FrƩdƩric Morin, David McMillan, and Meredith Erickson.
Reprinted with permission from The Art of Living According to Joe Beef by Frédéric Morin, David McMillan & Meredith Erickson, copyright © 2011. Published by Ten Speed Press, a division of Random House, Inc.
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