Beet and Date Smoothie

Beets. It is my one odd pregnancy craving this time around. The quickest, and probably the most beautiful, way to enjoy these gorgeous red gems is in a smoothie. This Beet and Date smoothie, or some variation of it (I've substituted dark cherries for dates in one version) has become my go-to breakfast recently. But probably, the best unintended result of my new-found beet addiction is the fact that my toddler also got on board. He's probably attracted to the color and has no idea he's getting almost an entire serving of vegetables. But I'll take that as a win for this Mommy.

Beet and Date Smoothie 

Makes 1 serving

1 small, boiled beet

2-3 medjool dates

8 oz almond milk

1 scoop vegan protein

1 cup ice

Blend all ingredients together. Serve with berries on top.

Risotto with Caramelized Beets

To me,  a simple risotto is the perfect, most savory and creamy conveyor for everything that's fresh and in season. Fresh peas, asparagus, mushrooms and, this month, beets. This risotto starts with a bit of shallots and ends with a handful of parmesan and fresh basil; enough but not too much, so that you really get to enjoy the flavor of the caramelized beets.

Risotto with Caramelized Beets
Serves 2 to 3

2 shallots, minced
2 tbsp olive oil
1 1/2 cups arborio rice
1/2 cup white wine
4 to 5 cups low sodium chicken broth, warm
1/2 cup grated parmesan
10 fresh basil leaves, julienned
2 cups caramelized beets (click here for recipe)*

1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the shallots, and cook until slightly browned. Add the rice, and  toast for two minutes, stirring well.
2. Pour the wine to the rice, and stir until almost all of  the liquid has evaporated. Add one cup of chicken broth, stirring until the rice has absorbed the liquid. Add the remaining stock, half cup at a time, stirring until all the liquid has evaporated after each addition. Stir in the parmesan and the basil. Serve the risotto topped with caramelized beets and extra fresh basil.

*The recipe for caramelized beets contains sugar. It is suggested to reduce the amount of sugar by half if using the beets in this risotto recipe.