Pickled Beets

Scrub Beets. Remove all but 2 inches of tops. In large heavy saucepan, bring 2 quarts unsalted water to a boil. Add the beets and cook, uncovered, over moderate heat for 30-35 minutes or until tender. Drain, reserving 1/2 cup of the cooking liquid. as soon as the beets are cool enough to handle, trim, peel and cut into slices 1/4 inch thick or cubes. Place the beets in a medium size heat proof bowl and set aside. In a small heavy saucepan over moderate heat, bring the 1/2 cup beet liquid and the vinegar, sugar, horseradish, mustard, peppercorns, cloves and bay leaf to a boil. Pour the mixture over the beets and cool to room temperature. Cover and chill in the refrigerator 8 hours or overnight. Just before serving, remove bay leaf. sprinkle the beets with the green onions and dill, toss well to mix. serves 4