Lauren,
I’m so sad to hear you got sick. Was it the lunch place at your work? I hope you’re feeling much better now. I’ve never gotten food poisoning but I hear its a disaster. I also checked out that new blog, what a find! Did you see the newest post? Fresh doughnuts, yum! I’ll also have to try that beet dumping recipe… and finally get out my pasta maker. Speaking of beets, I made myself an awesome beet, raspberry, and goat cheese salad a couple days ago I based off something I had recently at my local co-op (the picture above). They didn’t add goat cheese, chives, garlic, or orange, but I have to give them credit for pairing the awesome two-some: beets and raspberries. I’m so surprised how well these flavors go together, especially to liven up a root vegetable like beets for spring! This is my new favorite side dish, a must-try!
Spring Beet Salad
6 medium red or striped (red/white) beets with skin on
8 cloves garlic in shell
Red onion, thinly sliced
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp raspberry vinegar
touch of balsamic vinegar
Grated orange zest (optional)
Salt/Pepper to taste
Small log fresh, soft goat cheese
Bunch fresh chives, chopped
Place beets in baking dish with some water to cover bottom, cover with foil, and bake in the oven at 400F for almost an hour. For the last 10 min, toss garlic cloves on a different baking sheet with olive oil and salt and bake until brown and tender. After cooling, peel beets and garlic cloves. Combine olive oil, vinegars, red onion, orange zest, and S & P to taste. Add beets/garlic and toss gently. Cover with plastic and chill in refrigerator while preparing goat cheese (below).
Place goat cheese and chives in a large bowl and using hands (or a fork) mix until well combined. Roll into log, cover in plastic, and chill in refrigerator until firm. Crumble into pieces or slice thin rounds and add to beet mixture. Sprinkle fresh chives on top and serve with warm bread or main dish. Bon Ap!
Note: You can do so much with the leftover goat cheese, so make extra!! I made it with eggs this morning, and I’m also planning on making some goat cheese & chive biscuits (below) and maybe experiment with grits, corn, goat cheese and chive pancakes! I love this combo on anything… I bet pizza could be good too, with some fingerling potatoes and garlic, yum!
Feel better soon! Good food always quickens the healing process. Inspirational quote of the week: “COOK with LOVE, EAT with PASSION!”
Love, K