Not Without Salt

I recently found myself in a bit of a produce dilemma. A fridge full of beets and a family that thinks “they taste like dirt”. Being Dutch I am not able to let anything go to waste. Another solution was in order.

I began my search for a beet recipe that might entice my otherwise resistant family. The search came to an instant hault when I saw a photo of beet hummus. The magenta hue instantly caught my eye and my heart. I was sold. I know you aren’t supposed to judge on appearance but I did and I am not ashamed. What was found inside this stunning color was just as enticing as its outward beauty.

A creamy spread with tang, sweetness and a touch of heat from the raw garlic. I smothered my pieces of juicy roast chicken in it. I slathered it on my homemade pizza bianca (pizza crust simply baked with olive oil and salt). And I dunked a spoon right into the bowl when all my dipping devices were gone.

While my husband still labeled the flavor as “earthy” – and I don’t think he was saying this in a very good way – it was the most beets I’ve seen him consume in a long time. That’s all the reassurance I needed.

Beet Hummus

3 medium beets, cleaned, roasted, peeled then cut into chunks (stick whole beets in oven at 375* then roast until a knife inserts easily)

2 Tbsp tahini (sesame seed paste)

1/4 cup lemon juice

1 clove garlic, chopped

1/4 cup olive oil

salt to taste

Process all ingredients in a food processor. Blend until smooth. Tasted and adjust seasoning. Serve with a hefty drizzle of olive oil.

As if this hummus wasn’t enough – I have more for you today. The kind people at ChicoBag recently sent me a sample of their new, “produce stand collection” and they want to send it to you too!

From their site: The ChicoBag™ Company is introducing the new Produce Stand Collection! The new collection offers three different bags, each constructed from a different fabric designed to optimize freshness. Each starter kit includes three bags that all serve a unique purpose when paired with the right produce. The Hemp-Cotton blend is perfect for leafy greens, grains and green beans. The rePETe™ Mesh is great for apples, oranges and potatoes. The rePETe™ will keep your squash, broccoli and carrots fresh. All bags stuff into an apple pouch when not in use, making them easy to carry and store. The apple pouch features an attached carabiner, truly making this produce bag set unforgettable.

This company is so wonderfully passionate about getting rid of single use plastic bags. We recently took the bags out for a test drive at the Farmer’s Market and as you can see they were well loved. Since then I’ve been keeping my produce in them while taking a chill in the fridge and guess what? My lettuce is still crisp and my vegetables look just as fresh as the day I purchased them – which was now several days ago.

In my desperate search for snack bags to take with us in the car I reached for these bags which did the job quite nicely. I love the simple design and ease. Since having them in the house I haven’t found the need to purchase plastic bags.

I try to use reusable bags whenever possible but I so often forget to bring them with me to the store. I don’t know how many times I’ve told myself that I just need to leave my collection of cloth bags in the car – I still forget. But the apple pouch that comes with the “produce stand collection” makes carrying these bags around so easy. My boys were fighting over who got to carry the apple. I’m sure they won’t let me forget to take these bags with us.

Okay so now to the part where you can win your own.

Win your own Produce Stand Collection by ChicoBag™!
ChicoBag™ is hosting a Produce Stand giveaway and will be selecting 10 winners to receive the new Produce Stand Collection. Contest ends June 4th 2010. Click here to enter to win!

Good luck!

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