Beet Soup with Sage and Shallots

==Ingredients==
* 1 bunch small organic beets (about 4 or 5 beets)
* (leave the stems on up to 2 or 3 inches, but wash well around them)
* assorted leftover cruciferous veggie stems (optional, I used broccoli and cauliflower stems peeled)
* ½ cup rice vinegar (unsweetened)
* one day, or a few hours (optional)
* 4 sage leaves
* ½ cup white zinfandel or other white wine
* 2 large shallot cloves
* 4 small cloves garlic
* 1 tbsp canola oil
* salt
* pepper, fresh crushed
* few drops maple syrup
* 2 tbsp crème fraîche (similar to sour cream)
==Directions==
# Thickly slice the beets and simmer in water ~30 minutes until cooked.
# Include the stems of leftover cruciferous veggies in this simmer.
# Strain and place in a bowl with ½ c rice vinegar and water to cover.
# Let sit overnight in the refrigerator, or for as long as you can.
# Use the beet leaves for making a green veggie to eat.
# The next day, or later: strain the beets from this liquid, place in a food processor with sage leaves (stems removed).
# Process, adding a little wine or water as needed (discard the vinegar, or save it for the next batch of vinegared beets, in the fridge).
# Slice the shallots and garlic.
# Saute in a little of the canola oil, with the shallots first, then later add the garlic (in order to avoid overtoasting the garlic).
# After about 4 or 5 minutes, add the wine.
# Simmer a minute or two.
# Add this mixture to the food processor and continue processing.
# It is nicer if some graininess remains, but a fine graininess.
# Place this mixture back in a pan.
# Add about 1 or 2 cups of hot water, remaining canola oil, and salt (¼ tsp) and pepper to taste.
# Stir and simmer a few minutes, add 3 drops maple syrup.
# Pour into 2 regular or 1 large wide soup bowl, leave room on top.
# Top with 1 or 2 tbsp crème fraîche, and stir in well.
# Serve hot.
Category:Beet Soup Recipes
Category:Broccoli Recipes
Category:Cauliflower Recipes
Category:Crème fraîche Recipes
Category:Locto Recipes
Category:Maple syrup Recipes
Category:Rice vinegar Recipes
Category:Sage Recipes
Category:Shallot Recipes
Category:White Zinfandel Recipes