Just beet it... Beet Relish

Preserving:

pre·serve

 [pri-zurv] Show IPA verb, -served, -serv·ing, noun

verb (used with object)

1.to keep alive or in existence; make lasting: to preserve our liberties as free citizens.

2.to keep safe from harm or injury; protect or spare.

3.to keep up; maintain: to preserve historical monuments.

4.to keep possession of; retain: to preserve one's composure.

5.to prepare (food or any perishable substance) so as to resist decomposition or fermentation.

 

I love everything about the word and the task of preserving. I have to say though it's always nice to have a partner in crime when embarking on a preserving mission. This week my mission (which I chose to accept) was beet relish and tons of it. 

Step one: Buy a butt load of beets (15lbs) and have the person at the farmers market counter laugh at you. 

Step two: Take them home, boil until soft and then peel them. (Make sure you are listening to chipper music or your beet relishing may take on a very somber tone) 

Step Three: Find a friend and have them grate all your beets back into a pot.

 

                                                  It is very important to continuously give this friend moral support while they are grating your 12 pounds of beets. I promised mine fresh baked beer bread and work on baking that as he grated. 

                                                            ( bribing works)

Step 4: Put 2 cups sugar in a large pot and begin to caramelize on low-medium heat. Once the sugar has turned light brown and is bubbling add 2/3 cup molasses and 1.5 cups Apple cider vinegar. 

At this point do not stick your head in the pot and take a big whiff... You will probably keel over doing so. 

Add the grated beets back into the pot, with 4 cloves of garlic for good luck. 

Cook this down on the stove for around an hour on low heat stirring every 15min or so.

At this point it may be polite to offer your helper a cup of tea, coffee or another beverage of sorts for their trouble. 

Step 5: Once the beets have cooked down and there is very little liquid left in the pot it is time to Jar. Make sure your jars have all been sterilized and boiled in water for at least 8-10 minutes to get rid of any bacteria.

 

Step 6: Reboil your jars for another 8-10 minutes once the beets have been added and you have tightly sealed the tops.

Step 7: Dearly thank your friend, give him beer bread to take home, maybe write a blog about it and spread the word on just how wonderful preserving can be. 

Eat drink and enjoy!