My fear of beets

I admit it...up until recently, I was afraid of beets. Their bold color, their strong smell, how they stain everything they touch. In nice restaurants, I would discreetly sneak--from my plate to Eric's plate-- any beet product that came with my entree when he wasn't looking. And he would do the same to me. We were afraid to get up from the table to use the bathroom for fear that each others beets would infiltrate our plates! Growing up, I was intrigued yet somewhat sickened by the hot pink, milky borscht my grandparents would often make...and seemingly enjoy!! I loved the color once the sour cream was added but that's as far as the appeal would go.

But all of that came to an end last summer when we were fortunate enough to enjoy a week of Cyndi's CSA share while they were away. It was an awkward moment when I showed up to meet Michael and Jean and there, on top of the basket of produce, was what seemed like WAY too many beets. More beets than anyone would EVER want or need! I delicately tried to give some back "Well, we're not big beet eaters, so perhaps you want to take some of these and give them to someone else?" and "I really don't know how to prepare beets..." But Jean and Michael walked me through the basic boil, peel, butter, salt and pepper preparation and told me I'd love them. I was skeptical to say the least but left with my basket of beets promising I'd make some and let them know. I LOVED THEM!!!!

Needless to say, we anxiously awaited the arrival of the beets this summer and have enjoyed every batch we've gotten! I roasted them once but every other time I followed the basic butter, salt and pepper recipe and Eric and I and both our girls fight over every last one!

Thank you Michael and Jean for enlightening me!!

But you'll never get me to eat a mushroom.