Maple Baked Beets

Ingredients

• 2 1/2 lbs medium beets (about 7-9, 2-1/2-inch in diameter)
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 medium Spanish onion, cut into 1/4-inch-thick rings (about 8 oz.)
• 1/4 cup maple syrup
• 1 tablespoon fresh orange juice
• 1 1/2 teaspoons grainy mustard
• 1/2 teaspoon grated orange zest
• 1/4 teaspoon fresh ground pepper

Directions

1. 1

   Heat oven to 300 degrees. Butter baking dish large enough to fit beets in single layer.

2. 2

   Scrub beets and trim tops to 1 inch. Place beets in prepared dish and cover. Bake until tender when pierced with fork, about 1 hour. Transfer to colander and cool briefly under cold running water. When cool enough to handle, slip off skins. Slice 1/4" thick (about 3-1/2 cups).

3. 3

   Heat 2 T. butter in large heavy skillet over medium-high heat. Add onion and saute until somewhat tender but not browned, 2-3 minutes. Remove from skillet.

4. 4

   Combine remaining 2 T. butter, the syrup, orange juice, mustard, orange zest, and pepper in same skillet. Heat over medium heat to boiling. Add beets and onions; cook, turning frequently with spatula, until syrup is absorbed and vegetables are glazed, about 4 minutes. Serve at once.