Citrus Walnut Beet Dip and Bad Xbox Dancing

Let’s face it. Beets are a weird vegetable. They grow in the ground, which makes them taste like dirt, and when you cut into them they bleed all over you. What other vegetable does that?

AND THEY MAKE YOUR PEE PINK.

Well, some of you. According to World’s Healthiest Foods, “an estimated 10-15% of all U.S. adults experience beeturia (a reddening of the urine) after consumption of beets.”

Are you one of the 10-15%? I am and I don’t mind it. I also don’t mind sharing that fact with you. Sorry!

Over the weekend, I furthered my love for this creepy vegetable by making a dip.

Citrus Beet Dip

Ingredients:

• 1 15 oz can beets
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
• 1 clove garlic
• ¼ cup  plain Greek yogurt
• 2 tbsp. orange juice
• 1 tbsp. honey
• 1 tsp. coriander

Preparation:

Place all ingredients into a food processer and puree until smooth. Enjoy the pink stuff!

Three of my favorite things: wine, beets, and blogging!

My poor friend Robert was hanging out with me on Saturday when I decided to make this and boy, did he think I was disgusting. I guess it was payback for when I (briefly!) made him carry my purse at Target. He didn’t seem to mind much, but what did bother him was my extreme case of a.d.d. while in the store.

You see, we went for gum. Just gum. That is all.

We left with:

• a jewelry organizer
• two pairs of green socks (I love socks!)
• more spandex pants
• wine
• huge box of clif bars
• popchips
• and the gum

$64 and an hour later, I couldn’t tell if he was annoyed or entertained by my ability to destroy Target. He said I was going to be an expensive wife. I think that’s a compliment.

Later that evening, I spent, oh, maybe 6 hours playing Just Dance. My calves were so sore on Sunday morning. In case you ever doubted my hyperactivity, feel free to watch this clip (of a clip) of when I was dancing. Maybe one day I will show you the full footage.

“My watch is weighing me down.”

Who wants to come over and dance?!

The Ugly and The Pretty / Photo Day 13

I’m on Photo Day #13 - A picture of your favorite band or artist.

Britney Spears! Who cares if she had a mental breakdown? Everyone is allowed one or two of those in a lifetime, right?

P.S.: Her newest album, Femme Fatale, will be released on March 29th. I just pre-ordered it and downloaded the song “Till The World Ends.” It is good! I foresee another foot injury dancing to this at Trio.

How was everyone’s weekend? On Friday, my favorite paparazzo (Matt) came over and tried to photograph me changing before we went to the movies. Creep! He did manage to snap a picture of my new highlights and hologram nail polish. Yes, I said hologram. It is beauuuuuuuuutiful in the sunshine. :)

We went to Mustard Seed for dinner and then to Cinebarre to see The King’s Speech. Did anyone see this? Hate it, love it? I was kind of bored but thought the acting was excellent.

Today I made two recipes: the first being quite colorful, yet unattractive, and the second being adorable. Both were delicious.

Roasted Beets with Israeli Couscous, Walnuts, Blue Cheese and Citrus Dressing

Ingredients:

• 2 medium-sized beets, washed, peeled, and cubed
• olive oil, for drizzling
• 2/3 cup Israeli couscous
• 1/4 cup walnut pieces
• blue cheese, crumbled

Citrus Dressing:

• juice of one orange (about 1/3 cup)
• 1 tbsp. olive oil
• 1 tbsp. balsamic vinegar
• 1/2 tbsp. honey

Preparation:

1. Preheat oven to 400*. Place beets in a small baking dish and drizzle with olive oil. Cover with foil and roast for 45 minutes or until fork-tender.
2. While beets are roasting, bring 1 1/4 cups water to a boil in a small saucepan. Add couscous and simmer, covered, for 8-10 minutes. Set aside.
3. Prepare citrus dressing by whisking together the orange juice, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and honey.
4. When beets have finished roasting, mix together with the couscous and walnuts. Top with blue cheese and citrus dressing.

Not pretty. Tasty!

After dinner, I made some cookies for my neighbor, Daniel. When I texted him that I was making him cookies, within 15 seconds he was walking through my door. No knocking necessary. He walked in JUST when Lucy was doing a downward dog in the living room. I think he liked it. Hahaha.

I used Emily’s recipe for the Best Chocolate Chip Cookies Ever. She’s not kidding around you guys. These cookies contain browned butter and yeast. They are big and have a crispy edge with a slightly chewy center. They.are.perfect.

Daniel just ate a cookie. I asked him, “On a scale of 1 to Titanic, how much do you love these cookies?” He responded, “They’re pretty Titanic.”

Have a great week!