Beets With Blue Cheese and Candied Walnuts

• medium beets↗6 -8

  tops removed

• shallot↗1

  minced

• apple cider vinegar, balsamic vinegar or red wine vinegar↗2 tablespoons
• salt & freshly ground black pepper
• extra virgin olive oil↗1⁄2 cup
• blue cheese↗1⁄4 cup

  crumbled

• candied walnuts↗1⁄4 cup

  roughly chopped

• arugula leaves↗1 1⁄2 cups

  torn

Step-by-step instructions

1. 1

   Heat oven to 400°F Wrap beets individually in foil, twisting the ends, and place on a baking sheet. Bake 60 to 90 minutes, or until a fork easily pierces the flesh.

2. 2

   In a small bowl, combine the shallot, vinegar and a pinch of salt and pepper. Let stand for at least 5 minutes; whisk in olive oil to make a vinaigrette.

3. 3

   Remove beets from oven and unwrap them. When cool enough to handle, peel off the skin with your fingers or a small knife. Slice into wedges or 1/2-inch-thick rounds and place in a serving bowl. Add vinaigrette and toss to coat evenly.

4. 4

   Top with cheese, walnuts and arugula leaves.

5. 5

   (To save time, beets can be roasted the day before, refrigerated, then reheated.).