Beets (Bears, Battlestar Galactica)

That title may seem perfectly random, but as soon as Aaron found out that we were having beets (3 days before we did) he started this mantra from The Office. I think Jim actually says it, but can you guess who he's referring to?

So. I am not the world's biggest beet fan, but they aren't at the bottom of my veggie list, either. My friend Christina from back in Rochester made this dish and then passed on the recipe. Which I made a few times, but since it required one and a half hours in the oven, rarely remembered to put together in time. Then I had the brilliant idea - why not microwave it? Tried it, and it worked perfectly.

Also, I pretty much threw out the recipe, because I just throw it together from memory now. Here it is (approximately). After all, this isn't rocket science. It's beets.

Beet Dish (or Pasta Rosa) Note: best served to at least 2 people who already like beets.

Peel 4-6 beets and cut into 1/2 inch wide slices. Throw them into a large-ish microwave safe bowl. Scatter over the top about 2 T butter, cubed. Then sprinkle about 1/2 a small onion, sliced or diced as preferred (we like ours minced). Pour over everything about 1 1/2 cups (or so!) chicken broth. Cover and microwave 10 minutes or until very tender.

Using a slotted spoon, strain out the beets and add to 1 lb cooked pasta. Add as much of the liquid as desired.

Now, the original recipe said to wilt some chopped beet greens in a bit of the pasta water, then add to the pasta/beet combo. But I didn't find that too tasty, and used spinach instead. So far with the kids, I'm leaving it out entirely. Eventually I'll work it back in.

Aaron complemented this recipe, and Leah proclaims that she LOVES beets! (She is soo weird. During "teeth week" at school, she also wrote that going to the dentist is great. On her OWN.) Ben of course put up a struggle, but ate them without gagging.

One warning: The next morning, PLEASE remember that you had beets for dinner. Little girls may love that their pee is pink, but it could terrify the unsuspecting adult. And heaven forbid you are pregnant - when I was, even while I was sitting there doing my business, I'd be telling myself, "You had beets last night. You had beets last night. You are NOT miscarrying." Not to make light, but seriously. That is some impressive natural dye.

Also, I'm thinking about making some beets into baby food for Adam. Doesn't THAT sound like some fun diapers? And laundry? We'll see...

Any fans of beets (bears, Battlestar Galactica) out there?