I love beets but I’ve always just oven roasted them (how-to at bottom). That’s super easy and also quite efficient if you’re baking other things at the same time. But it’s not very “special.” So to class it up for some friends who were coming over, I borrowed from this recipe to make marinated beets. And the result is awesome – very flavorful and excellent texture.

Combine the following in a large stock pot and simmer for 30-45 minutes:

• 6 red beets, peeled
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 4 cups water
• .5 cups balsamic vinegar
• .25 cups salt
• .5 cups sugar

The time difference will depend on the size of your beets – they’re done when you can insert a knife easily to the center.

Also, if you’re cooking golden beets instead of red, you can substitute champagne vinegar to preserve their color.

And here’s a great way to use those beautiful beet greens: in a risotto!

If you want to oven roast your beets instead: Rinse them but leave the skins on and individually wrap in tin foil with a drizzle of grape seed oil. Then pop into the oven for 30-45 minutes at 350 degrees. Skin usually slides off easily when done.