Watercress With Beets And Fennel Food

WATERCRESS WITH BEETS AND FENNEL

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 400 degrees F; toss beets with oil and season with salt and pepper.
• Roast until tender 18 to 20 minutes; let cool.
• In a serving bowl, toss watercress, fennel and beets.
• Whisk together dressing ingredients OR place in a lidded glass jar and shake.
• Drizzle 6 tablespoons of the dressing over the salad and toss well.

ROASTED BEETS WITH WARM FENNEL VINAIGRETTE

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F. Put the fennel in a medium bowl, cover with ice water and set aside.
• Put the beets in a 3-quart casserole dish and toss with the chicken broth, 1 tablespoon of the olive oil, 1/2 teaspoon salt and a few grinds of pepper. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 45 minutes. Remove the foil; if there is 1/4 inch or less of liquid, add 1/2 cup of warm water. Continue baking, uncovered, until the cooking liquid is reduced by half and the beets are fork-tender, 25 to 30 minutes.
• Meanwhile, whisk the vinegar, butter, remaining 2 tablespoons oil and mustard in a measuring cup. Strain the fennel and toss with the vinegar mixture in a large bowl. Add the dressed fennel to the beets, toss with tongs and continue baking until the fennel is crisp-tender, about 15 minutes. Remove the dish from the oven, stir the beets and fennel to coat with the sauce and season with 1/4 teaspoon salt and a few grinds of pepper. Transfer to a serving bowl and garnish with the chives.

BEET, FENNEL AND WATERCRESS SALAD

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 375°F. Cut tops and root ends off beets. Wrap beets in aluminum foil and bake until tender, about 50 minutes. Cool slightly. Peel beets. Slice beets into rounds; stack rounds and cut into strips.
• Combine fresh lemon juice and honey in small bowl. Gradually mix in olive oil. Season dressing to taste with salt and pepper. (Dressing can be prepared 1 day ahead. Wrap beets tightly and refrigerate. Cover dressing and let stand at room temperature.)
• Place watercress in bowl and toss with enough dressing to coat. Arrange on platter. Top with fennel and then beets. Drizzle remaining dressing over.

FENNEL AND WATERCRESS SALAD

Steps:

• In a bowl, combine the cranberries, red wine vinegar, balsamic vinegar, garlic and salt. Whisk in the olive oil.
• In a large salad bowl, combine the watercress, fennel, radicchio and pecans. Stir the vinaigrette and pour over salad. Toss well and serve at once.