Did you have a good Fourth of July? I hope so! We did and I am excited to say that summer has *FINALLY* arrived in Seattle. Now, lets cross our fingers and do a dance to the weather gods so that this weather sticks around for a while!
This week’s Food Matters Project challenge is Beet “Sandwiches” (page 83), chosen by Meg from My Wholefood Romance. Bittman’s interpretation of Beet Sandwiches are essentially beet chips topped with a goat cheese, pistachio and watercress filling. To see the original recipe, please click here.
Though they sound yummy, I was in no mood to turn on my oven and I wanted to whip up a quick bite (think light appetizer/snack) that required minimal cooking and less than 10 minutes to pull together.
This little dish gets even easier if you live near a Trader Joe’s and can pick up a package of their pre-cooked beets (peeled and boiled). If you don’t, feel free to prepare your beets how you normally would and make them ahead if you can, as this recipe is flexible as far as the actual beet preparation you choose.
This should be an interesting week, to see what all of the other Food Matters Project members made this week, click here!
- ¼ cup shelled and salted pistachios
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 8 ounce goat cheese log
- 8 ounces (about 4 small) cooked beets
- 1 box water crackers
- Place shelled pistachios in bowl of food processor and process until finely chopped but still a bit crunchy. Remove one tablespoon of pistachios and set aside in a small bowl for garnish.
- Add sea salt, black pepper and goat cheese to chopped pistachios and pulse until combined and crumbly like this.
- Thinly slice cooked beets.
- Line 32 water crackers and place one piece of sliced beet in the center of each cracker.
- Spoon one half-teaspoon of the goat cheese mixture on top of each beet slice.
- Finish with a sprinkle of the chopped pistachios that you set aside earlier, serve and Enjoy!
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Alyssa, I love the idea of putting these on top of crackers… what a beautiful appetizer… invite me over for a dinner party soon?
Margarita recently posted..Beet Sandwiches
Yes, next time you cross the mountains!
I love how elegant beets are — what a pretty appetizer! Love the pairing of beet, goat cheese, and pistachio too!
Faith recently posted..Wheat Berry Salad with Fruity Vinaigrette
Thanks Faith!
Have you ever tried eating beets raw? They are yummy. I suspect it helps if you get them from the farmer’s market. Also TJ’s one is nice and convenient but they are so easy to roast in the oven. Scrub well and line a baking sheet with foil they go in about 375 for 45 min. or so depending on the size of your beets. The key is to wrap the beets sort of like a blanket with the foil. Steam cooks them and thanks to foil no cleaning up necessary. Thanks for the yummy recipe too. I may try this with blue cheese.
I think this would be excellent with blue cheese!
That is very similar to how I roast my beets but I love that TJ’s has this option for when you don’t have time or care to turn on the oven.
Raw beets are tasty but you are right – they really have to be garden fresh. Have you ever tried shredded raw beets? Delish!
Great idea, I never have a clue what I can do with beets and I know they’re really good for you so this is great. Thanks
Sure Kay – this is a great way to use them up!
No but I def. will. I have had that type of salad from a store and other than that experience I just recently had raw beets literally peeled and ate them like an apple. Wow. So this Wednesdayu back to farmer’s market I go to get more and I will make this too with the tub of blue cheese I have that has been sitting waiting to be used. Thanks!!
That sounds awesome!
These look positively darling! And you’re right…using TJ beets would make this a much easier (and cleaner) culinary adventure!
Shut Up & Cook recently posted..Grocery Store Bingo and a New England Lobster Bake for 100
Nothing like a 10 minute appetizer for a crowd!
you really want the smart route & purchased your beets already cooked — great idea! i stood by the oven while the beets roasted and i ended up roasting myself!
your apps look fabulous.
Lan | angry asian recently posted..beet & smashed avocado salad
We finally got hit with summer here and I just couldn’t bear to put on the oven!
This is what I will be bringing to the Locust Grove Heritage vegetable garden end of gardening season potluck. Different variety of heirloom beets are grown there.
It will be great with those heirloom beets!
YAY summer in Seattle!
And I love the name “beet bites” – too cute.
Sarah from 20something cupcakes recently posted..roquefort-avocado dip + beet chips.
Thanks Sarah!
What a great idea! I had no idea TJ’s had these and will absolutely add them to my next shopping list
What a great time saver! And the bites are beautiful!
Sara @ Simply Whole Kitchen recently posted..Baked Beet Chips with Avocado and Goat Cheese Dip {Food Matters Project}
TJ’s is awesome for stuff like that! Thanks Sara
Gorgeous flavor combo and presentation! Simple and elegant.
Katherine Martinelli recently posted..Guest Post: Strawberry Mint Corn Bread from Cafe Terra
Thanks Katherine – these would pair well with your zucchini bites!