Edible Vancouver Island Summer 2022

M A P L E G L A Z E D B E E T S W I T H F E T A C R E M A A N D P I S T A C H I O C R U M B L E

Step 1. Batch re c ipe for be e ts

Step 3. Candi ed pistachio crumbl e

Rinse beets well to remove any dirt. Place beets in cold water, then add salt and vinegar. Place on high heat and bring to a boil. Then reduce to medium heat and simmer beets until they can be pierced with a knife with minimal resistance (approximately 1½ hrs, depending on the size of the beets). Note: you may need to top up the water as the beets cook to keep the beets submerged. Remove from heat and allow the beets to cool in the liquid. Once they are cool enough to handle, wear gloves and gently rub beets with your hands to remove the peels. Store the beets in their cooking liquid. 1 lb beets 1 Tbsp salt ⅓ cup vinegar (red wine vinegar is best, but white vinegar or white wine vinegar also works) water to cover beets I N G R E D I E N T S M E T H O D

1 cup chopped pistachios 1 Tbsp butter 1½ Tbsp sugar ½ Tbsp corn syrup I N G R E D I E N T S

M E T H O D

Preheat oven to 375°F. In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, melt butter, sugar and corn syrup together on low heat. Cook together until mixture bubbles. Incorporate pistachios and mix together well. Cook on low heat, mixing continuously for 3 minutes. Spread mixture as thin as possible on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Place in oven and bake for 7–10 minutes, until light gold in colour. Allow to cool completely, then use your hands to break it apart into shards. Place shards in a thick plastic bag and smash with a rolling pin to make small crumbs. (You can also accom plish this in a food processor if available—it’s not quite as fun though!)

2 cups cubed or wedged beets ⅓ cup cooking liquid from the beets 1½ Tbsp maple syrup 1 Tbsp butter ⅔ cup feta crema 2 Tbsp candied pistachio crumble 2–3 leaves basil for garnish I N G R E D I E N T S Step 4. To create t he f inal dish

Step 2 . F e ta crema

1 tub feta (500g) 1 cup heavy cream I N G R E D I E N T S

M E T H O D

Crumble feta by hand. Place in blender, or, if using hand blender, place in a long narrow receptacle. Blend until smooth. Adjust seasoning to taste.

10 SUMMER 2022 EDIBLE VANCOUVER ISLAND