Big Apple Borscht Recipes

Steps:

• Place the beets in a large pot of boiling salted water and cook uncovered until the beets are tender, 30 to 40 minutes. Remove the beets to a bowl with a slotted spoon and set aside to cool. Strain the cooking liquid through a fine sieve and also set aside to cool.
• In a large bowl, whisk together 1 1/2 cups of the beet cooking liquid, the chicken stock, sour cream, yogurt, sugar, lemon juice, vinegar, 1 tablespoon salt, and the pepper. Peel the cooled beets with a small paring knife or rub the skins off with your hands. Cut the beets in small to medium dice. Add the beets, cucumber, scallions, and dill to the soup. Cover with plastic wrap and chill for at least 4 hours or overnight. Season, to taste, and serve cold with a dollop of sour cream and an extra sprig of fresh dill.

Steps:

• Whisk together the oil, mustard, honey, lemon juice, 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper in a large bowl. Add the mint, parsley, apples and fennel and toss them together until they are coated in the dressing. Top with the fennel fronds. Serve immediately.

Steps:

• Heat oil in a hot saute pan. Sear duck breasts until medium rare. Remove and let cool. In the same pan, add apples and raisins, five-spice powder, garlic and onion, and saute until tender. Remove, from heat, add cilantro, and season with salt and pepper. When cool enough to handle, dice duck, add to apple mixture and mix well. Lay out the wonton skins. Spoon a little mixture onto each skin, fold over and seal by moistening seams with a little water, making sure that no mixture oozes out. Wontons can be deep-fried or steamed in a steamer basket. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce.

Steps:

• Heat grapeseed oil over medium heat in a large pot and add onion and garlic, sauteing them until they are translucent. Add beets and cucumber, and cover with 6 cups water. Season with salt and pepper. Bring to a boil and cook until tender, about 45 minutes. Remove from heat and bring to room temperature.
• Add orange juice and blend with an immersion blender, or in batches in a conventional blender. Season with salt and pepper, to taste. Stir in lime juice and chill.
• Spoon into serving bowls, garnish with a dollop of sour cream and sprinkle with dill pickle.