beets

Heat 2 teaspoons oil in a medium-size pan over medium heat.

Add the cleaned and chopped greens from 2 bunches of beets (4 to 5 cups without stems) and 2 cloves of garlic, minced.

■ You can use beet greens raw in salads or cooked as a side dish. Remove leaves from beets, if still attached, and store separately in an open bag. Use within 2-3 days.

❁ Beets should be round and firm with smooth skins and a deep color. If the greens are attached and you plan to use them, they should be green and fresh, not wilted.

Roasting vegetables is one o

Cook beets ahead to shorten time to make a recipe. Beets are done when they can be pierced to the center with a dull knife. Refrigerate; use within 5 days.

Ingredients:

1 cup pineapple juice

1 cup low-fat plain or vanilla yogurt

1½ cup fresh or frozen berries, any type

½ cup beets, canned or cooked

1 small frozen banana (optional)

Directions: 1. Combine all ingredients in a blender.

When kids help make healthy food, they are more likely to try it. Show kids how to:

❁ safely handle sharp lids when opening cans.

❁ fill a blender part way and be sure the lid is on tight.