Beet and goat cheese salad

We are back! The last couple of months have been so busy, between work travel (Michelle) and finishing graduate school (Erich). We are finally past all of that and back to having fun in the kitchen!

This recipe is a variation on an appetizer salad that appears on many menus, most notably Bill's. Most people that we know turn their nose up at beets until they try this salad and discover that beets are a candy superfood.

Ingredients

Beets (2 for a small appetizer salad, 3 if you want something a little more filling)

Brunk Balsamic Vinaigrette*

White wine vinegar

1 T sugar

1 4 0z package goat cheese, frozen

Mixed greens or spinach

Cut the greens off right at the base of each beet. Do not remove the skin from the beets and do not wash them. In a large pot, cover with water. Boil for 45 minutes to one hour, or until tender when poked with a fork.

Carefully remove the beets from the boiling water and rinse under cold water. The water will stain, so watch out! The skin will peel off easily using your hands. Do this under cold water to avoid staining your skin. Cut off each end, then slice into 1/4" to 1/2" discs. 

Cover the bottom of a medium to large saucepan with about 1/4" white wine vinegar and add the sugar. Bring to a simmer and add the beet slices. Simmer for a few minutes and flip the slices. Simmer for a few minutes more and remove from the pan.

To plate:

Place the greens in the center of a plate.

Slice the goat cheese into 1/4" discs. Sandwich the sliced beets and sliced goat cheese alternating to create a stack/tower. Drizzle with the vinaigrette...toss any remaining goat cheese crumbles on top and serve!

* Substitute orange juice for the balsamic vinegar, as noted in the vinaigrette recipe.