Yes, they are that red! Bet you can’t eat just one.
Bee Heaven Farm CSA members have gotten beets a few times in their shares this season. There’s a pretty good chance those homely root vegetables are still hanging around somewhere in the back of your refrigerator. Now, don’t get me wrong! I love beets, and grew up eating them — boiled, roasted, pickled. But never in baked goods. Until now…
Beets were the original coloring agent used in some red velvet cake recipes back in the day. They are great for baking because they become sweet when roasted, and hold moisture. Plus, the earthy beet flavor combines beautifully with dark chocolate.
I found this recipe for beet brownies on a lovely food/farm blog, and tweaked it a bit (my changes are in italics). The original recipe calls for a topping of fresh blueberries, which sounds fabulous; but even plain and warm out of the oven, they are scrumptious. I’ve made this recipe several times, and each time the brownies get gobbled up in no time flat, and people beg me for more. Enjoy!
Red Velvet Brownies
• 1 cup of beet puree*
• 3.5 ounces (one bar) of good-quality chocolate (at least 70% dark)
• 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• pinch salt (about 1/8 tsp)
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 7 tablespoons butter, softened
• 1/3 cup brown sugar
• 2 eggs, room temperature
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
* Note: Roast about 5 or 6 beets, then let them cool. Using gloves, remove skins, then puree in food processor. If you roast more than you need for the recipe, pureed beets are a delicious side dish dressed with olive oil and lemon juice.
1. Pre-heat oven to 350 F.
2. Melt chocolate over double-boiler. Set aside.
3. Whisk together flour with baking powder and salt and set aside.
4. Cream butter and sugar together. Add vanilla and eggs, one at a time, until the mixture is creamy. Add melted chocolate, beet puree, flour mixture, and walnuts. Mix well.
5. Pour batter into 9 x 13 baking pan lined with baking parchment and bake for 25-30 minutes.
6. Let cool and cut into triangles. Serve with fresh-picked blueberries and share with family.
