Photo by Christopher Spaide

Beet and herbed goat cheese towers are show-stoppers for any gathering, no matter the occasion.  Tender, sweet, and earthy beets pair deliciously with creamy, herbed goat cheese.  Use small beets if serving these towers as a stunning side dish or appetizer.  Medium-large beets are best if turning them into a satisfying salad, with mixed greens and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and balsamic vinegar.

Serves 4-6

3-4 red beets
3-4  golden beets
16 oz goat cheese, or farmers cheese
1 garlic clove, minced
1 tbsp each chives, parsley, dill, minced
zest & juice of 1 lemon

Preheat oven to 400˚.  Trip the top and bottom off the beets.  Place on a baking sheet and roast until fork tender, about 30 minutes.  Remove from oven and let cool.  Peel the beets and thinly slice them into 1/8” circles.

While the beets are roasting, place the goat cheese, garlic, herbs and lemon juice/zest in the food processor.  Pulse to combine.  Season with salt and pepper to taste.  Reserve.

To assemble the towers, place a beet slice on your plate or platter.  Top with a small scoop of herbed goat cheese, then another slice of beet.  Repeat this process until your towers are 4-5 beet slices tall.