Beets in Orange Sauce

 8 whole fresh beets

1/4 cup sugar

2 tsp cornstarch

dash pepper

1 cup orange juice

1 medium navel orange, halved and sliced, optional

1/2 tsp grated orange zest

1.  Place beets in a large saucepan; cover with water. Bring to a boil;  Reduce heat; cover and cook for 25-30 minutes or until tender;  Drain and cool slightly.  Peel and slice; place in a serving bowl and keep warm.

2.  In a small sauce pan, combine the sugar, cornstarch and pepper; stir in orange juice until smooth.  Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened  Remove from the heat; stir in orange slices  if desired and zest.  Pour over beets.  

Note:  A (15 oz) can of sliced beets may be substituted for the fresh beets.  Drain the canned beets and omit the first step of the recipe.

Serves 8