Chai Spiced Pickled Beets

Wash and trim beets. Save the greens for salad and compost the stems. In a large pot, cover beets generously with water and bring to a boil. Turn heat down to rapid simmer and cover. Cook until beets are soft to the touch and the skin comes off easily, about 25-30 minutes.

Drain and let cool. When cool to the touch, peel the skin. Slice or chop beets as desired. Set aside in heat-proof container.

In a separate pot, add water and vinegar and bring to a boil.

Add fennel seeds, whole cloves, cardamom pods, black peppercorns, cinnamon, salt and sugar. Bring pickling liquid to a boil. Carefully pour over beets, allow to cool at room temperature. Cover and refrigerate for a couple days to let flavors mingle.

Use these pickles in just about anything--salads, sandwiches, wraps, as a snack on their own or on a relish tray with other pickles & dips.

*Keeps in fridge for up to a month.