Pickled Beets

After a few surprising dining experiences, I am pleased to announce that beets are the new "It" side dish!  Several restaurants I like are now offering them as a side with sandwiches and burgers in place of fries!  The first time I ordered them in place of fries, I had ordered a hummus wrap and felt that the beets were the better side option.  I was in LOVE!  Now, don't get me wrong...I have always loved beets, but this concept was interesting.  It did not disappoint!  Still loving this idea, you can only imagine my excitement when I found beets at the grocery store.  I like jarred beets, but these were so much better...they find the middle between that vinegary/sweet and pickled flavor!  Although, I have to admit, the mention of the word "beets" instantly throws me back to episodes of Doug...

Pickled Beets
Yields 4 servings

To Prepare the Beets
1. Cut the ends of 3 beets off.  The beet will have a flat side and a rounded off side.  The end you will want to cut is the flat end.
2. Peel the beets.  Despite the dense feeling of the beets, they will peel very easy, like a potato!

Pre-Peel

Post-Peel

3. Cut the beets down into round slices that are 1/4 inch thick, and then cut these slices into 1/2 inch by 1/2 inch cubes.

4. Put the beets in a pan, and add 1 tablespoon of Pickling Spice, 1/3 cup of vinegar, and 6 tablespoons of sugar.  When it comes to the pickling spice, I let mine float loose with the beets, which just means that when eating the beets, you have to be aware of the occasional rogue piece of large spice.  If you want to, you can make a seasoning packet by wrapping the spice in cheesecloth and tying it closed with cooking twine!

5. Add enough water to cover the beets and cook over medium heat.  It will take about 45 minutes for the beets to cook.  The beets are done when they are soft enough to put a fork through them!

I served ours warm, and they were delicious, but you can certainly refrigerate them and enjoy them cold!  The only major piece of advice I will give you is that if you are preparing these for a party, or have plans for later, you should wear gloves!  Otherwise, you will have fuchsia hands!