Balsamic Beets

• 6 medium beets:(about 2-1/2 pounds)
• 1/2 cup:fresh orange juice
• 1/4 cup:balsamic vinegar
• 1 tablespoon:sugar
• 1 star:anise
• 1/2 teaspoon:salt
• 1/8 teaspoon:freshly ground black pepper

Preparation

1. Preheat oven to 400.
2. Leave root and 1 inch of stem on beets; scrub with a brush.
3. Wrap beets in foil. Bake at 400° for 1 hour or until tender. Cool beets to room temperature.
4. Peel and cut each beet into 8 wedges. Combine juice, vinegar, sugar, and star anise in a small saucepan; bring to a boil.
5. Cook until reduced to 1/3 cup (about 10 minutes). Discard star anise.
6. Combine beets, vinegar mixture, salt, and pepper; toss well.