Recipe: Roasted Beets In Rosemary Dijon Dressing

If you've never tried beets, or just don't know how to cook them, you're in for a treat!  This time of year, beets are one of my favorite local veggies - sweet little garnet gems which can dress up a salad, add color to a stir-fry, or deliver sugary goodness when baked until soft and shriveling. I get plenty of them in my CSA this time of year, so this recipe offers yet another welcome way to prepare these tasty treats.

Tender Roasted Beets In Rosemary Dijon Dressing
(Serves 4-6.)

Ingredients:

Beets! (Photo credit: Jim Carson)

3 lbs small tender beets
4 Tbsp olive oil, divided
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 Tbsp Dijon mustard
1 orange, juiced
1 tsp sugar
1 Tbsp red wine vinegar
1 Tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped

Directions:

• Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Scrub the beets well and trim leaving 1/2 inch stem and root intact.
• Place beets in a large bowl and add 1 tablespoon of the olive oil, add all the salt and pepper, then toss together to coat well.
• Place beets in a shallow roasting pan or baking sheet in a single layer, put in preheated oven and roast 40 to 45 minutes or until beets are tender; remove and set aside while you prepare the dressing.
• Make the dressing by putting into a large bowl the mustard, orange juice, sugar, and red wine vinegar, whisking to combine.  When combined, keep whisking while slowly drizzling in the remaining 3 tablespoons of olive oil and whisk until dressing thickens, then add rosemary, stir, and set aside.
• Now that you can handle the beets, rub them with paper towels to remove the skins.
• Cut the beets into quarters and put them in the bowl with the dressing, then toss to combine.
• Let the mixture stay out at room temperature for about 30 minutes so flavors combine.
• Serve at room temperature as a side dish or salad by spooning over mixed lettuce greens.

Recipe: Hearty Harvest Chicken Stew

This time of year, eating local  may not be as easy for some, but you can still enjoy locally grown foods if you choose seasonal vegetables, or those that store well. Winter squash, carrots, potatoes, and onions can all keep well into the winter if properly stored - that way you can eat foods from your local area well into the winter months. This tasty stick-to-your-ribs recipe is even better if made with locally raised, pasture-fed chicken - once you try it, you'll never want to go back to the big-box store kind!

Hearty Harvest Chicken Stew
(Serves 4-6.)

Ingredients:

2 Tbsp olive oil
1 lb chicken breast tenders, cut into bite-size pieces (local and organically grown, if at all possible)
1 can chicken stock (large size) - or 3-cups homemade broth
3 potatoes, diced
4 carrots, peeled and sliced
1 red onion, diced
3 stalks celery, chopped
1 tsp dried thyme
salt and pepper to taste
2 Tbsp butter
2 Tbsp flour

Directions:

1. In a Dutch oven or heavy soup pot, heat the oil over medium-high heat, then add the chicken pieces and cook until just browned.
2. Pour in the chicken stock, bring to a boil, add all the vegetables, and return to a boil, then immediately turn heat down to a simmer. 
3. Simmer slowly for about 20 to 25 minutes or until the vegetables are just tender crisp.
4. Add the thyme, salt, and pepper and continue simmering while you prepare the roux.
5. In a small bowl, smash the butter and flour together with a fork until completely combined, then add to the liquid in the pot and whisk until the liquid thickens, then stir through the entire mixture and allow to heat for another minute, then remove from heat and serve immediately.
6. This will serve about 4 to 6 people a hearty meal.