Phyto-Bliss Beet Salad

2 Large, Fresh Red Beets

½ to ¾ c walnut halves

2 cloves fresh minced garlic

½ to ¾ c goat cheese or feta

½ c balsamic vinegar

1TBSP maple syrup

1/8 cup melted organic (preferably grass-fed) Ghee

Sea Salt and freshly ground white or black pepper to taste

¼- ½ tsp chile powder

¼-1/2 tsp curry powder

Dash of cinnamon

1/8 cup EVOO

1 ½ TBSP Italian Seasoning or fresh chopped herbs such as rosemary, thyme, lavender and oregano or 2 TBSP Pesto (see recipe in Benefitting From Basil or buy ready-made).

1 bag or large bowl of mixed salad greens

Instructions:

Combine herbs and olive oil if using fresh or dried herbs instead of Pesto. Let sit until use.

Cut fresh beets (include the tips!) into bite-sized pieces and place in a steamer over boiling water. Let steam at least 15 minutes or until easy to pierce with a fork. Place cooled beets in a glass bowl/dish.

Add balsamic vinegar, melted Ghee, walnut halves or pine nuts, garlic, salt, pepper, and spices. Mix well and let sit for at least 15 minutes (can be made 1-2 days ahead of cooking or frozen in portions for later use).

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Spread beet mixture onto a 9x11 cookie sheet (line sheet with foil or wax paper for easier cleanup). Bake for 15 min or until mixture starts to crisp. Remove from oven and spoon olive oil and herb mixture onto beets and stir. Instead of the EVOO/herb mixture, you may also add 1-2 TBSP of pesto and stir throughout for added flavor and health benefits. Crumble goat cheese and toss into salad greens. Spoon beets onto salad greens and gently toss. Serve immediately and impress your family and friends.

I have to say that I adapted this recipe from a Giada De Laurentiis, Every Day Italian episode about 5 years ago. It has been evolving ever since, along with my knowledge about proper use of fats and my curiosity with herbs and spices. This salad has turned a lot of people on to beets who otherwise thought they hated them! Thanks to Giada, for teaching me that I love beets and for teaching me SO much about cooking!