skrapnel

This winter I’ve really been into brightly colored, kinda trippy produce.  Had my mom brought these out when I was little, I probably would have loved eatin veggies.  Not only are they exciting and tasty, but they will definitely liven up any plate.

Check out some of the pics I took:

Colorful Beets

Romanesco Broccoli and Purple Cauliflower

Rainbow Chard

Have you ever seen such sexy veggies before?

I had these with dinner tonight.  Amazing!  Recipe and Photo from 101 Cookbooks

Baked Carrot Oven Fries

a big bunch of farmers’ market carrots, washed, trimmed

extra virgin olive oil

sea salt

Heat oven to 375.

Cut each carrot in half. Toss the entire bunch in a bowl with a couple glugs of olive oil. Arrange cut side down in a single layer on a baking sheet and sprinkle generously with salt. Bake for 30 minutes or until carrots are golden brown where they touch the pan.

via Baked Carrot Oven Fries Recipe – 101 Cookbooks.

I’ve gone batty for beets.  I used to hate the little buggers, but now I can’t get enough.  With their sweet, earthy taste, they’ve overtaken acorn squash as my favorite Winter vegetable.  It doesn’t hurt that they are also full of vitamins.

Try roasting them (recipe below) and putting them in a salad.  I toss them with some field greens or arugula, satsuma or citrus slices, candied walnuts and feta cheese.  For dressing, I’ve been making a champagne vinaigrette.  It’s an easy-to-make salad that tastes like, well, earthy sun.

Warning: Beets will stain your hands red! They might also make a surprise comeback performance the next day

Roasted Beets

4 medium beets

Place rack in middle of oven and preheat oven to 375° F.

Rinse beets and trim off the leafy tops (reserve for a recipe using beet greens). Wrap each beet loosely in aluminum foil and place in the oven. Roast until tender and easily pierced with the tip of a paring knife, about 1 hour.

Remove from the oven and take off foil. Set aside to cool.

via Apartment Therapy The Kitchn | Tip: How To Roast and Peel Beets.

The photo on the right is also from Apartment Therapy.  The photo, below, however, is of a beet salad I made my grandmother during the Christmas Holidays.

What are your favorite ways to prepare or cook beets?