Sugar-Free Pickled Beets that Your Kids Will Love

I have to confess that I love beets. I also have to confess that I don't know anyone who doesn't love these pickled beets! But as much as I love this, I don't like Harvard Beets or the other common beet dishes. So if you think you don't like beets but you would like to introduce some variety to your daily vegetables, give these a try. I am sensitive to sugar, so I try to stay away from it when I can. Feel free to substitute the equivalent of any sweetener you prefer. If you wish to use sugar, simply use that instead. You may need to cook the beets longer in order for the sugar to dissolve.

1 can beets, drained

8 packages Splenda (equivalent of approximately 1/3 cup of sugar)

¾ C good quality Balsamic Vinegar (best choice if you have it in your cupboard)

(Optionally - ¾ C apple cider vinegar. This is definitely a second choice. It creates acceptable results, but the beets will not be as good as Balsamic Vinegar)

Dash salt

Dash cinnamon or to taste

2-3 whole cloves

Optional - ¼ C orange juice or orange extract, allspice, coriander, cake spice blends

A note on the vinegar: the quality of your vinegar can make or break the quality of almost any recipe calling for it. It is one of the under-appreciated staples of many cupboards. I often use a good balsamic vinegar with great results. Try 365 Everyday Value Aged Balsamic Vinegar of Modena from Whole Foods. It is amazingly inexpensive; definitely one of the cheapest Balsamic Vinegars I've ever used. And, I've tried a variety of balsamic vinegars and my family likes the flavor of this brand the best.

The preparation for this recipe is simplicity itself.

1. Carefully drain the beets. ( The one thing I do dislike about beets is that the juice stains terribly if it splashes on you as you drain it! So do be careful if you aren't used to beets).

2. Add all the ingredients to a small saucepan.

3. Cook for approximately 10 minutes at medium heat. Serve at room temperature or chilled.

Once you have tried the standard ingredients, try some of the variations. Orange can add a nice zing to beets. Depending on your tastes, allspice, coriander, cake spices, and similar spices can add a nice flavor as well.

Pickled beets are not good as a hot vegetable, but they are fine either room temperature or chilled. Remember them when you want variety in your vegetables or a nice spot of color for your everyday dining or holiday table!