Beet Chocolate Cake

from Jodi

Ingredients

• 2 c pureed beets
• 1/2 c applesauce
• 1 1/2 c sugar or 1 c honey
• 1/2 c butter
• 1/2 c yogurt
• 3 eggs
• 1/2 c cocoa powder
• 1 1/2 tsp vanilla
• 2 1/2 c flour
• 1 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1/2 c chocolate chips or nuts (optional)

Directions

1. Combine all ingredients, grease and flour a 9x13 pan.
2. Bake for 45 minutes at 350 degrees.

Tip: To make the beet puree, cut the beets and cook them in the oven at 200 degrees for 2 hours, and then puree in a food processor. You can also boil the beets, but the slow baking maintains more flavor and nutrition.

Credit:

Simply in Season: Recipes that Celebrate Fresh, Local Foods in the Spirit of More-with-Less By Mary Beth Lind & Cathleen Hockman-Wert

Honey "Caramel" Corn

from Jodi

A great treat at Christmas time or anytime!

photo: hellosputnik

Ingredients

• 8 quarts (2 gallons) popped popcorn
• 2/3 c butter
• 1 c honey
• 1 grated orange peel
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• 1 c nuts (optional)

Directions

1. Place popped corn in 2-3 baking dishes.
2. Boil ingredients to make a sauce. Pour sauce over popcorn.
3. Bake at 350 degrees for 10-15 minutes.
4. Remove from oven and place in a large pot or pan. Keep stirring and breaking up the popcorn until cool.