Beet, Pickled Cherry and Crispy Shallot Salad

• 2 large beets, quartered
• 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 4 thyme sprigs
• 3 garlic cloves, smashed
• 1/2 cup red wine vinegar
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 1/2 cup dried sour cherries (3 ounces)
• 1 teaspoon fennel seeds
• 1/4 cup sugar
• Canola oil, for frying
• 4 large shallots, very thinly sliced
• 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 4 ounces mizuna or mesclun

1. Preheat the oven to 350.
2. In a small baking dish, toss the beets with the olive oil, thyme, garlic and 1/4 cup of the vinegar and season with salt and black pepper.
3. Cover tightly with foil and roast for about 1 1/2 hours, until fork-tender.
4. Let cool slightly.
5. Meanwhile, in a small saucepan, combine the cherries with the fennel seeds, sugar, 3/4 cup of water and the remaining 1/4 cup of vinegar and bring to a simmer.
6. Remove from the heat and let stand for 30 minutes.
7. In a large saucepan, heat 2 inches of canola oil over moderately high heat until shimmering.
8. Add the sliced shallots and cook over moderate heat, stirring, until they are golden brown, about 10 minutes.
9. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the fried shallots to paper towels to drain.
10. Peel the beets and slice them 1/4 inch thick.
11. Strain the beet cooking liquid into a large bowl.
12. Spoon 2 tablespoons of the cherry pickling liquid into the bowl along with the lemon juice and whisk to combine.
13. Season the dressing with salt and black pepper.
14. Strain the cherries and discard the remaining pickling liquid.
15. Arrange the beets on a platter.
16. Toss the mizuna and cherries in the bowl with the dressing.
17. Mound the greens over the beets, garnish with the fried shallots and serve.

beets, extravirgin olive oil, thyme, garlic, red wine vinegar, salt, sour cherries, fennel seeds, sugar, canola oil, shallots, freshly squeezed lemon juice, mizuna

Taken from www.foodandwine.com/recipes/beet-pickled-cherry-and-crispy-shallot-salad (may not work)