Beets. Lemons. Sugar. Combined into one lip-smacking Beet Lemonade. Have I lost my mind? That’s entirely possible, but most likely not due to this drink.
Who came up with this root vegetable meets citrus elixir? It wasn’t me. No, It was the bunch at Wisconsin Cheese who asked me to photograph cocktails and cheese for their latest issue of Grate, Pair, Share.
You thought I just did photo shoots for my own online magazine? Nah, I spread my foodie love around.
But just to be sure, you have read the summer issue of FoodieCrush magazine, right?
I must admit I had my doubts about trying this Beet Lemonade from the get-go. Kind of like my Smudge whenever she spies some foreign looking object on her plate. That would be a new vegetable and you’re going to try it little lady.
I’m a novice juicer on a time schedule so I went the much easier and far less messy route and let my juicer languish in the pantry while I shopped for beet juice at Whole Foods. I dutifully followed their recipe, still skeptical of this unusual combo and then…I was stunned at the taste.
In a good, very, very, very, very good way. Very.
Did I mention the burrata that gooed alongside? Ahhhhhhgh. It is my favorite cheese of late hands down. Not that you could tell with my spate of recipes for Nectarine and Burrata Bite Crostini, Quinoa and Burrata Caprese Salad and Burrata and Roasted Asparagus and Tomato Salad.
**By the by, check out the new recipe search field over there on the right, in the sidebar, the one that says SEARCH. Type in salad or chicken and see the recipes magically appear. 9,342 times faster. Take that Harry Potter.**
While the Beet Lemonade and Burrata came in at the top of my dance card and was a good thing to start off the morning, the rest of the afternoon turned into a rosy haze by the time I was finished with the Berry Smash and Gorgonzola, Moscow Mule and Cheddar Blue and Peach Sangria and Gouda.
Let’s just say this is a fine way to start, middle and end, a photo shoot. Get the recipes here.
Want to find out for yourself? Let’s do this thing. This thing called a GIVEAWAY!
The peeps at Wisconsin Cheese think you’d like to get a little cheesy yourself and asked me to host a little weekend cheese gifting to get you started.
Here’s the deets:
One winner will receive a Wisconsin Cheese gift basket with each of the Wisconsin cheeses included in the cocktail feature—Gouda, Burrata, Gorgonzola and Cheddar Blue—and three syrups from Madison, Wisconsin’s own Quince & Apple to flavor your own cocktail or mocktail creations in Tart Cherry Grenadine, Lime & Cucumber, and Rhubarb Hops flavors.
To enter to win, follow the directions in the rafflecopter widget below. Hey, it’s good to be cheesy.
And now, for a few Friday Faves.
One of my favorite places on earth, and now I have a list of 100 things to do there.
It’s all in the ingredients: A life changing cookie comparison for any cookie baker.
The most talented dog you’ll ever see. I wish he’d teach my pups a thing or 543.
I know I pinned a recipe for chocolate toffutti lasagna with chipotle sauce but I can’t find it…Oh here it is. No more sifting through majorly pinned boards. Here’s how I found it.
Just one more reason I love her, because she’s proud to show off her real post-baby-belly.
Click ‘n eat. 15 food instagram accounts you should follow. Any other favorites? Post them in the comments!
How to make money while I shop: discovered thanks to listening to podcast #98.
Step aside Downton Abbey and Mad Men. THIS is the show to watch.
31 amazing things to cook in August.
These rings. Yea or nea? I’m thinking yea.
Attention bloggers: How to navigate the waters of sponsored posts.
‘Roma’ wasn’t built in a day. 25 ways to transform fresh tomatoes.
How to toot your own horn without being totally annoying.
A good gift is one you want for yourself. I sent this to a sweet friend this week.
Just released: The piePhone 5. I’ll take it in apple or lemon meringue.
My virtual weekend menu includes a full day of:
Breakfast Burgers with Maple Aioli and a Fried Egg
Cold Sesame Noodle Salad
Stuffed Peppers with Chipotle Cream
Grilled Chili-Lime Tacos
Root Beer Float Ice Cream Cake
Strawberry Basil Sorbet Bellini
Have a maxed out weekend, good luck on the giveaway and stay cool. Just like you always are.
Thanks for reading and please keep in touch by subscribing to FoodieCrush and follow me on Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest. This site includes affiliate shopping links of which I receive a small percentage of sales to allow me to create new and special content like this for my readers, so thank you for your support. All opinions are my own.
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grace says
August 2, 2013 at 1:31 ampepper jack, and EVERYTHING.
Averie @ Averie Cooks says
August 2, 2013 at 1:50 amI love beets! When I juice, my fave juice is beet juice – with a little carrot or apple and ginger.
Fave cheese – hmmm. Brie. Melty and warm with crackers. And wine :)
Elizabeth G. says
August 2, 2013 at 3:15 amI love Mozzarella cheese in lasagna!
Meg Hobbs says
August 2, 2013 at 3:53 amI’ve been enjoying a lot of burrata lately too, after I had it on crostini with speck, dried figs, local honey, and zucchini ribbons at a restaurant here in Nashville. I bought some and have been experimenting. The other day it was Sea Salt Pita crackers (from Townhouse-yummy), burrata, pineapple-rum chutney, and toasted pecans. Another cheese obsession-Mirabo.
JC Carter says
August 2, 2013 at 4:51 amAged Cheddar, or a creamy goat cheese. I love them with wine and salad respectively. BUt i love all cheeses, i’m pretty positive i eat cheese multiple times a day every. single. day.
Karen says
August 2, 2013 at 5:09 amI pretty much love any spicy cheese with crackers or brie with pita chips!
Norma @ Allspice and Nutmeg says
August 2, 2013 at 5:19 amI love so many kinds of cheese but when feta is on the table I usually choose the feta. Brie is a close second.
Nancy E says
August 2, 2013 at 5:33 amWith so many wonderful cheeses , how can anyone only like one! I love all cheeses and really can’t choose a favorite.
Jeanne ODonnell says
August 2, 2013 at 5:48 amWell, I haven’t met a cheese I don’t like yet, but I would say my fave would be pepperjack.
Lori @ RecipeGirl says
August 2, 2013 at 5:52 amFave cheese: BURRATA, hands down! And hey, I need to tell you how much I love the idea of BEET LEMONADE!!! When I do my juice cleanses, the beet juice is my absolute favorite juice of the day.
Daniela says
August 2, 2013 at 5:54 amThere are way too many to name, and it depends on my mood, but I love brie and goat cheeses
Cori says
August 2, 2013 at 5:57 amI love Manchego cheese with red wine. My husband and I enjoy it on stay at home date nights .
Shelly says
August 2, 2013 at 6:13 amI love pepperjack cheese and I love to eat it on sandwiches.
Dawn says
August 2, 2013 at 6:15 amRight now I’m loving fresh mozzarella and eating it with fresh tomatoes and basil.
Deb V says
August 2, 2013 at 6:19 amBlue cheese salad dressing
Katrina @ Warm Vanilla Sugar says
August 2, 2013 at 6:31 amI love Gruyere the best and eat it in Fondue!
Ellen M. says
August 2, 2013 at 6:39 amMy favorite cheese is aged Manchego. It doesn’t need any accompaniment (except maybe a glass of wine!). Thanks for a delicious giveaway!
Karen D says
August 2, 2013 at 6:39 amI love a quality blue served with pears
Noel says
August 2, 2013 at 6:43 amI love blue cheese – all types – in salads.
KL says
August 2, 2013 at 6:44 amAsiago, Brie and Blue, maybe more, it is hard to pick one fav!!
Denise Fedor says
August 2, 2013 at 6:46 amI LOVE GOAT CHEESE,but can’t afford it! Eat lots of sharp Cheddar.
Anne Weber-Falk says
August 2, 2013 at 6:48 amNot too long ago I tried a dessert cheese, lemon! It was so good. I would have that every day with nice biscuits. I would also love to have a nice blue cheese on my salads.
Katie says
August 2, 2013 at 6:55 amParmesan Cheese is my favorite.
Sarah @ The Chef Next Door says
August 2, 2013 at 7:06 amI love just about every kind of cheese, but this summer I’ve really been craving fresh mozzarella!
Racheal says
August 2, 2013 at 7:17 amIt’s a tie for me – I love Brie with just about anything or fresh mozzarella with balsamic and black pepper.
Nikki says
August 2, 2013 at 7:17 amDefinitely blue cheese and some sort of fruit with a citrusy wheat beer.
suzanne bergeron says
August 2, 2013 at 7:33 amI think you would love this blog: http://www.momskitchenhandbook.com/
Katie is an amazing writer/mom/blogger and has a new book out about lunch boxes that is getting me excited about packing lunch! Crazy idea! Thought I’d share with you, you have very similar taste :) Thanks!
Heidi Babi says
August 2, 2013 at 7:40 amMy favorite cheese of all time is Appenzeller, and I like to eat it melted over spaetzle, or red potatoes, or just by itself. Sooooo good. We put it in fondue, too!
Shannon says
August 2, 2013 at 7:41 amwow, i’ve been loving burrata lately, but my hands-down favorite is goat cheese, and i eat it with absolutely anything :)
Tieghan says
August 2, 2013 at 7:50 amI still have not tried Burrata!! I need to try and find it somewhere because it is all I hear about these days. Plus, it looks incredible! Right now I am all about blue cheese and gouda, but they have always been some of my favorites!
Corinne says
August 2, 2013 at 7:51 amI’m an Italian girl at heart so Parmigiano-Reggiano always tugs at my heart strings. Burrata is a favorite as well. With the first I just eat it in chunks (if I’m not using it in a dish) with the second I love it slathered on a fresh piece of italian bread! yum!
Denise Wilson says
August 2, 2013 at 8:01 amBrie with apples!
Jen @JuanitasCocina says
August 2, 2013 at 8:07 amI love mozzarella with caprese!
Gerry @ Foodness Gracious says
August 2, 2013 at 8:07 amGeez, laying out my fav cheese is like asking which one of kids is the best, I love all cheeses but really partial to some eppoise (sp?) Eat it with a chewy baguette and it’s like heaven…
Monique @ Ambitious Kitchen says
August 2, 2013 at 8:16 am:) thanks for the link love.
Jenny B says
August 2, 2013 at 8:27 amBlue cheese, and I will eat with anything but I especially enjoy it on pizza, or on bread with honey.
Kim S. says
August 2, 2013 at 8:29 amI am SUCH a cheese lover, but my “go to” cheese is usually an extra sharp white cheddar. I love it paired with apples, or on a sourdough grilled cheese or atop homemade tacos!
Nikki says
August 2, 2013 at 8:30 amLove cheese. Hate beets. Literally. I’d rather chew on dryer lint. But I’d drink semi-sweet wine with both LOL
natalie @ wee eats says
August 2, 2013 at 8:31 amthat’s a lot like asking which child you love most…. i think fresh, hand-pulled mozzarella is to DIE for, with some tomato or caramelized onion jam…. heaven.
also, this is such a perfect giveaway because i was just oggling your burrata on instagram this morning thinking, BUT WHERE DOES SHE FIND SUCH HEAVENLY CHEESE? and now i know… lol
Megan M says
August 2, 2013 at 8:40 amI love fresh mozzarella it’s amazing!
JamieK says
August 2, 2013 at 8:53 amBrie. I love cutting off a big chunk and eating it by itself. Thanks for the opportunity!
Allison says
August 2, 2013 at 8:56 amExtra sharp cheddar….on crackers, in sandwiches or just by itself.
Lily Sheng says
August 2, 2013 at 9:02 amMy favorite cheese is Brie and I just like to spread it on baguette
Liz says
August 2, 2013 at 9:06 amDubliner cheese is my favorite or extra old cheddar with plain butter crackers.
Auntiepatch says
August 2, 2013 at 9:34 amMy favorite cheese is, I know boring, Jack cheese in eggs or on a cracker.
Sandy Headtke says
August 2, 2013 at 9:42 amI just found Habanero Jack which is mighty tasty. It is spicier than Pepper jack so use with caution.
Leanne T says
August 2, 2013 at 9:46 amRight now I am obsessed with Burrata, it is so creamy and delicious!
Corisa says
August 2, 2013 at 9:46 amI love coopers cheese on a cheese and tomato sandwich !
Shannon Stell-Winters says
August 2, 2013 at 9:58 amA nice extra sharp cheddar with apple slices, blue cheese on a juicy steak, fresh mozz.
Desi says
August 2, 2013 at 10:36 amHmm well I love so many cheeses! Blue cheese with anything buffalo! I love extra sharp cheddar, parmesan, and anything like pepperjack or monterey jack!
Kim C. says
August 2, 2013 at 11:24 amI Love Cheese!! One of my favorites is Swiss…yarlsburg. It is so good on a turkey sandwich with a little champagne dill mustard!!
Ashley @ Wishes and Dishes says
August 2, 2013 at 11:58 amI love fresh mozzarella!!
rachel says
August 2, 2013 at 1:23 pmI’m a gouda girl! Especially melted on toast :)
Cindy Brickley says
August 2, 2013 at 1:43 pmPepperJack is my favorite eating cheese and we go through a lot of mozzerella.
Micky says
August 2, 2013 at 2:20 pmI loved smoked mozzarella. It is so good with a nice glass of bold red wine.
Lisa says
August 2, 2013 at 2:21 pmfresh mozzerella
SandyN says
August 2, 2013 at 2:28 pmI love smoked cheddar with some fruit and crackers.
libby says
August 2, 2013 at 2:34 pmall cheeses, but especially sharp cheddar and crackers
Amy S. says
August 2, 2013 at 2:54 pmI love brie on sourdough toast.
ashley says
August 2, 2013 at 3:02 pmas of late, i really like a chipotle cheddar. just a little bite and a little smoke makes it a good turkey sandwich companion
LindaGadz says
August 2, 2013 at 3:05 pm~fresh mozzarella with prosciutto, tomatoes, salami, balsamic vinegar…
Des says
August 2, 2013 at 3:08 pmWhen I saw those pics of Kate Middleton the DAY after she gave birth my first thought was “She is SO gorgeous!” Love her! My favorite cheese hands down is mozzarella. Any way shape or form, if it’s mozzarella I’m going to eat it all and I probably won’t share. Sorry. :) And thanks for the link love for my Cold Sesame Noodle Salad! xoxo
Amy C. says
August 2, 2013 at 3:17 pmMy favorite cheese is an extra-sharp cheddar… straight up or on a cracker!
Cathy McCarthy says
August 2, 2013 at 3:51 pmFavorite cheese? So many but if I have to pick one it would be Havarti melted on a toasted slice of crusty French bread.
garnet says
August 2, 2013 at 3:56 pmfavorite cheese? It’s like trying to pick a favorite child! But I have been using a lot of pepperjack lately.
Sarah says
August 2, 2013 at 4:08 pmI love blue cheese in burgers.
JC says
August 2, 2013 at 4:20 pmMy favorite cheese is Dofino, with a nice Chandon Blanc – great way to end a crazy week.
Shawna says
August 2, 2013 at 4:36 pmI like the white sharp cheddar cheese. I eat it with everything
Trish says
August 2, 2013 at 4:50 pmI love any and all cheese equally. I do have to say that there is nothing in this world like a fresh cheese curd!! :)
Martha says
August 2, 2013 at 5:00 pmMaytag Blue Cheese in various ways. Love it with roasted pears.
spacemonkey1138 says
August 2, 2013 at 5:09 pmSmoked Gouda, on a grilled cheese.
Emily says
August 2, 2013 at 5:28 pmThat is seriously one of the hardest questions ever. Probably a good smoked gouda or a super sharp white cheddar. Also, I could look at your photos all day. The end.
Ttrockwood says
August 2, 2013 at 6:15 pmRight now i love aged manchego with the spanish fig almond pate and a lovely glass of wine
Sarah H.P. says
August 2, 2013 at 7:48 pmI love goats cheese on crackers with jam!
Kim Porter says
August 2, 2013 at 8:55 pmMy favorite cheese is No Woman from Seattle, WA. I like to drink a meritage with it.
Phyllis says
August 2, 2013 at 9:49 pmI love sharp cheddar with apple slices.
Marie says
August 2, 2013 at 9:54 pmI absolutely LOVE goat cheese (chevre form…)! My favorite way to have it is on an heirloom tomato & basil tart with homemade pie crust as the base, and drizzled with scallion pesto. It’s so unbelievably good!
Melissa M. says
August 2, 2013 at 10:19 pmI love Brie on a baguette!
Katie says
August 3, 2013 at 7:25 amI absolutely love brie, and I like to eat it with fruit, especially strawberries or apples
Stefanie @ Sarcastic Cooking says
August 3, 2013 at 12:20 pmSince I am pregnant I can’t really do a lot of the soft cheese right now, womp womp! If I weren’t, I would be all about goat cheese and burrata. But, right now I am kind of boring and just enjoying some parm-reg… on mostly everything ahaha!
I am kind of afraid of beet juice, but I trust you so I will have to give this a try. And better yet try and trick my husband into having some too!
Laura says
August 3, 2013 at 1:19 pmI love blue cheese on pretty much anything!
Carolyn G says
August 3, 2013 at 3:55 pmI love Gruyere cheese with heirloom tomatoes out of the garden. I grill them on a crostini and it is delish
Kate D. says
August 3, 2013 at 5:27 pmMy favorite cheese is smoked gouda & I love it just with crackers.
Urban Wife says
August 3, 2013 at 6:42 pmBrie with crackers!
Lou says
August 3, 2013 at 9:12 pmMy favorite is extra sharp cheddar, and I like it on a grilled cheese sandwich with pumpernickel bread and tomato slices. It’s also great with crackers.
Meryl says
August 3, 2013 at 9:14 pmI love extra aged Parmigiano Reggiano with pasta dishes, salads, and on its own.
kesha says
August 4, 2013 at 6:08 amI love sharp cheddar with zesta crackers and mayo
natalie g says
August 4, 2013 at 9:28 amMy favorite cheese is smoked mozzarella and I love to eat it with crackers or use it when cooking Italian food.
sarah k. says
August 4, 2013 at 1:25 pmI love Parmesan cheese, I could put that on most things especially pasta.
Gina Guthrie says
August 4, 2013 at 9:18 pmAged gouda and a glass of wine!
I WIlkerson says
August 4, 2013 at 9:38 pmI love Gruyere–and just about anything else!
Kelli W. says
August 5, 2013 at 7:01 amMy favorite cheese is colby jack and I like to eat it by itself or with crackers and bologna.
I WIlkerson says
August 5, 2013 at 1:57 pmI should add that I love local cheeses with beer!
Liz says
August 6, 2013 at 8:10 amDubliner with butter crackers.
Missy M says
August 6, 2013 at 10:42 ammozzarella pearls with an aged balsamic drizzle
Kimberley M. says
August 6, 2013 at 2:25 pmMy favorite cheese is asiago. I take egg noodles and mix them with shredded asiago cheese and butter. YUM!
Denise D says
August 6, 2013 at 2:38 pmI am a true blue Feta Cheese lover….Also love smoky flavors too… :)
Sue R says
August 6, 2013 at 2:44 pmSharp Cheddar with pretzels and Spotted Cow!
Jim Kottke says
August 6, 2013 at 3:01 pmColby cheese on grilled cheese sandwiches
sarah k. says
August 6, 2013 at 4:02 pmI love cream cheese in white chocolate cheesecake
Kati says
August 6, 2013 at 11:52 pmButterkase on grilled cheese and in mac & Cheese, provolone/mozzerella on ALL sandwiches :)
Would love to win! I’m a native WIsconsinite living on the West Coast!
Karen D says
August 7, 2013 at 7:06 amapple pie with sharp cheddar
Ellen M. says
August 7, 2013 at 5:32 pmFavorite cheese is aged manchego, and I love it with a glass of red wine (or crackers, of course!)
sarah k. says
August 7, 2013 at 7:42 pmI like white American cheese on a turkey sandwich with cranberry relish.
christine says
August 7, 2013 at 9:19 pmi love Chaource cheese and i eat it with crackers!
Natasha says
August 7, 2013 at 9:53 pmMy favorite cheese is cheddar with crackers!
Alison M. says
August 8, 2013 at 6:47 ammunster cheese on toast!
Liz says
August 8, 2013 at 8:03 amDubliner, swiss or extra old cheddar are my favorites – just plain on crackers and grapes.
Maggie Wallace says
August 8, 2013 at 12:26 pmWarm brie with crackers! Yum!
Susan Christy says
August 8, 2013 at 5:24 pmSharp White Cheddar. I eat it on sandwiches, with nuts, with apples, with crackers.
Maxem Malitati says
August 25, 2017 at 12:41 amam a lover of Beets but I don’t know how to make Beet Lemonade. Can some help?