Red Beet Buns

Say WHAT????   Red beet buns.  Michelle, really?  OK, that was my first thought when I read the schedule for HBinFive for February. 

Our fearless leader Michelle, (from Big Black Dogs), set up this group and chose (actually, quite clevery) the schedule.  But really????  Beet buns?

Don't get me wrong,  I love beets, especially the golden ones.  In fact, I grow them in my garden.  But never, ever, ever, have I tasted them in buns.  My friend Cristie (The Table Runner) and I discussed this.  Both of us thought we might make these, but decided to think it over.  You see, we just weren't quite sure about BEET BUNS.
But after reading about a few of the other group members experiences, I decided that I would give them a try.

Here goes:
I found that if I shredded the beets in the kitchen sink it was not quite so messy.  And do wear something red when you are shredding, that way if there are any splatters, no one will notice.  I also wore disposable gloves and hand shredded so I didn't stain any of my other equipment.  I also put the dough in a stainless (get it?) bowl  to rest instead of in my Cambro for the same reason.

Beets are beautiful; they are.  Just look at that dough.  It is very wet but I'm sure that the onions and beets add a lot of moisture.   It was one happy dough during that rise.

 

Because it is Valentine's I put the dough in my Wilton Heart pans that I never use although I should; they're cute, huh?

Let them set for 40 minutes. Then bake.

And here they are in all their pink glory.  Personally, I think they were prettier raw.  Oh well.

And the biggest surprise?  They tasted good.  Definitely not my favorite bread but I'm glad I tried them.  This evening I made a turkey/swiss sandwich with mayo, dijon mustard, romaine, and avocado slices.

OH MY GOSH!!!!! 

And no, I am not talking about the errant camera strap in the shot. (I'd post another photo but that sandwich was gone in a flash).  No pun intended.

I am talking about the sandwich.  I repeat:  

OH MY GOSH!!!!! 

That sandwich was heavenly.  WHO KNEW?  This bun is a must for sandwiches.  It was the perfect vehicle for those ingredients.  It turned a plain old (albeit good) turkey sandwich into an amazing turkey sandwich!

Thank you, Michelle, you knew best on this one.  I apologize for questioning your judgement.

This Valentine's day, serve your sweetheart a turkey sandwich on Red Beet Buns. 

After all, anyone can give candy and flowers. 

I guarantee no one will forget your Valentine offerring.