Sweet and Spicy Pickled Beets

Ingredients:

• 8 medium fresh beets
• 1 cup vinegar
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1-1/2 teaspoons whole cloves
• 1-1/2 teaspoons whole allspice
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Directions:

1. Begin by scrubbing the beets and trimming their tops to about 1 inch. Place them in a Dutch oven and add enough water to cover the beets. Bring the water to a boil, then reduce the heat and let the beets simmer, covered, for 25-30 minutes, or until they are tender.
2. Once the beets are cooked, remove them from the water and allow them to cool. After they have cooled, peel the skins off and slice the beets. Set the slices aside in a bowl.
3. In a small saucepan, combine the vinegar, sugar, cloves, allspice, and salt. Bring the mixture to a boil and let it boil for 5 minutes.
4. Pour the hot pickling mixture over the sliced beets. Let the beets sit in the liquid and refrigerate for at least an hour to allow the flavors to meld together.
5. Before serving, drain the pickled beets to your liking.

Servings: 8