Tuesday, July 13, 2010

Beet Brave

Last night, i was cooking some beets that I had pulled from the garden. After the usual cutting off the leaves to save for another time, I cut off the root--not including flesh. I scrubbed them There were four medium size--some slightly different from the others--weighing together a pound. I microwaved them for ten minutes and they came out evenly done. When they were cool enough to handle, a slipped off the skins and rubbed the beets with olive oil and put them in a bowl.. Just before serving to four people, I cut them across into a third-inch-wide slices and put them on a platter.
Now, came the brave part. I had intended to drizzle them with balsamic vinegar. Shockingly, I had none. I put a little more olive oil in the bowl and scraped to get all the juices. I added salt and then a generous splash of Spanish Jerez (sherry) vinegar. As a topping for the beets it worked like a charm the warm, sweet and acid flavors came together perfectly in a shiny concoction.
I would do it again; but I will have to buy more Sherry vinegar; I used up the end of the bottle.

7 comments:

Charles G Thompson said...

Hi Barbara - I so enjoy reading your food posts. I met you in the early 80s when you had just opened your retail food shop on the Upper East Side. I had just moved to New York to work at another retail food store, DDL Foodshow (remember that place?). I have been a fan of yours ever since. I look forward to your next posts - and thanks for the beet dressing idea!

Barbara said...

Thank you for the kind words and being in touch. What are you up to these days?

Kit said...

Sounds wonderful. I love beets, although I doubt many in my family do. But that certainly doesn't mean I can't have them. I love your dressing idea. I'm sorry but I am new to your name. With your accomplishments, I think I've had my head in the sand. I can't wait to to buy one of your books. I look forward to your blog. I'm hoping to start a food blog of my own soon. Happy blogging friend.

Unknown said...

Dear Barbara:
While you are certainly aware that you have made many good impressions, your former sous chef at the James Beard Birthday dinner at the Standford Court & your eyes to James in SF when he was being treated for his ailments
thinks of you often! Always when I skim a soup, always when I "clean as I go" & always with fond memories. I have been living in Italy since 2002. Alan Young

Barbara said...

Kathy, I am so pleased that you are now in my corner. Thank you. I hope that you enjoy the book. Send me your blog when it is up.

Barbara said...

Alan, Thank you. Where i Italy and what are you doing. Best, Barbara

Charles G Thompson said...

Thank you for your comment back, Barbara. I'm living in Los Angeles and recently started writing a food blog, 100 Miles. Here's a link to it: http;//www.100miles.com if you'd like to take a look.