Beets are in season!  Tasty and tender.  Perfect for a simple salad.  Just rinse, cut tops off, wrap in foil and roast in oven about 1 hour.  No peeling necessary! Let cool and cut into chunks.  Add cut chives.  Dress with olive oil and your favorite vinegar - champagne vinegar or ACV are my favorites.  Sea salt and pepper and done.  Or, top with toasted walnuts and goat cheese!  Yummmm.

PLANTING BEETS in a SQUARE FOOT GARDEN:  Plant 9 per square foot.

EAT YOUR BEET GREENS:  Yep, saute up those beet greens with a dash of water & oil, top with ACV.  Beet greens contain the same health benefits as the beet root.

HEALTH BENEFITS:  Vitamins from A, B & C groups, calcium, iron, magnesium, potassium, manganese & fiber.  Pytonutrients & anti-oxidants.  Can lower blood pressure.  Builds healthy blood.  Boosts stamina & energy.  Improves heart health and liver health.  Strengthens immune system.  Supports mental health.  And, much more!

EAT:  Hot or cold.  Roasted or raw.  Salads and slaws. Soups. Juice. Hummus. Dips. Muffins!

Recipe below for a different twist to use those roasted beets to make a tasty treat!

RED VELVET MUFFINS

3 - 4 medium beets

2 cups Paleo flour

1 cup coconut sugar

½ cup cacao powder

1 ½ teaspoon baking soda

sea salt

2 farm fresh eggs

¾ cup warm water

¼ cup liquid coconut oil

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

½ teaspoon cinnamon

½ cup dark or sugar free chocolate chips or chunks  (optional)

 Yield:  1 dozen

1.  Rinse beets.  Cut greens off.  Wrap beets in foil.  Bake 350 degrees until tender, about 1 hour.  Let cool.  Puree with blender stick.  (Do the night or day before so they are ready to go.  Keep small batches in the freezer, so they are ready to defrost and make muffins.)

2.  Preheat oven to 325 degrees.

3.  Line muffin tin with paper cups.

4.  Measure into large mixing bowl the pureed beets (about ½ cup), flour, sugar, cacao, soda, salt, eggs, water, oil, vanilla, cinnamon and mix using a whisk.  When well mixed, stir in chocolate chips.

5.  Using ice cream scoop, divide evenly into cups.

6.  Place in oven on middle shelf and bake about 20 minutes until set.

7.  Enjoy!!!

                                    An original recipe by Amie Guyette Hall, CHHC, AADP

                                             The Square Foot Gardening Health Coach

                                                     www.fromyourinsideout.com

                                         SPORT HILL FARM HOMESCHOOL CAMP 2021