Roasted Baby Golden Beets with Goat Cheese and Honey Balsamic Glaze
This easy side dish is bright, fresh and bursting with flavor!
Ingredients:
1 bunch baby golden beets, trimmed and scrubbed
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 ounces goat cheese, crumbled
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Honey balsamic glaze (store-bought or homemade*)
Sea salt and fresh ground pepper
Method:
1. Preheat your oven to 400°. Place the trimmed and scrubbed baby golden beets on a baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper, tossing to coat evenly.
2. Roast the beets in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes or until tender when pierced with a fork. Cooking time may vary depending on the size of your baby beets.
3. Once roasted, remove the beets from the oven and let them cool slightly. While the beets are still warm, gently rub off the skins using a paper towel or your fingers (wearing gloves if desired). The skins should come off easily due to roasting.
4. Arrange the peeled roasted baby golden beets on a serving platter or individual plates. Sprinkle crumbled goat cheese over the beets. Drizzle honey balsamic glaze generously over the beets and goat cheese. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired for added color and freshness.
*Note: To make a simple homemade honey balsamic glaze, combine equal parts balsamic vinegar and honey in a small saucepan. Simmer over low heat until the mixture thickens slightly, then remove from heat and let cool before using. Adjust sweetness to taste if needed.
Grilled Glazed Carrots
Brushed with a sweet-tart glaze, these grilled carrots are sure to wow.
Ingredients:
1 bunch carrots, peeled
1 large orange
¼ cup dark brown sugar
2 teaspoons butter
Olive oil
Sea salt
Freshly-chopped herbs of your choice, such as parsley, oregano and tarragon
Method:
1. To make the glaze, juice the orange in a small non-reactive saucepan. Over medium-heat, add the brown sugar and butter and cook until the mixture is slightly thickened, about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat and set aside.
2. Brush the carrots lightly with olive oil and place directly on grill. Grill until crisp-tender, about 15 to 20 minutes, turning occasionally during cooking. In the last few minutes of cooking, brush the carrots all over with the glaze.
3. Remove the carrots to a plate, sprinkle with salt and fresh herbs. Serve immediately.
Glazed Pearl Onions
The longer these cook, the sweeter and more caramelized they will become.
Ingredients:
1 pound pearl onions, peeled
2 teaspoons olive oil
2 teaspoons sugar
1½ teaspoons fresh thyme, leaves removed from sprigs
Sea salt and fresh ground pepper
Method:
1. Heat oil in a 10-inch skillet over medium heat. Add onions. Cook, tossing occasionally, until beginning to brown, about 5 minutes.
2. Sprinkle with sugar; season with salt and pepper. Add ⅔ cup water and thyme; cook, stirring occasionally, until onions are tender and liquid has evaporated, about 20 minutes.
