Cold Borscht

Directions

1. 1
   Place the beets in an 8-inch-by-8-inch-by-2-inch dish, with the smaller ones toward the center.
2. 2
   Cover the dish tightly with microwave-safe plastic wrap.
3. 3
   Cook the beets at 100 percent power in a 650- to 700-watt oven for 16 minutes.
4. 4
   Prick the plastic to release the steam.
5. 5
   Remove from the oven and uncover.
6. 6
   Allow the beets to stand until cool.
7. 7
   Wearing rubber gloves to prevent staining your hands, peel and grate the beets.
8. 8
   Reserve.
9. 9
   Combine the vegetable broth, sugar and vinegar in a two-and-one-half-quart souffle dish or casserole with a tightly fitting lid.
10. 10
    Cover and cook at 100 percent power for three minutes.
11. 11
    Remove from the oven and uncover.
12. 12
    Stir to dissolve any remaining sugar.
13. 13
    Stir in the reserved beets.
14. 14
    Refrigerate until cool.
15. 15
    Stir in the remaining ingredients and season.
16. 16
    Refrigerate until ready to serve.