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1
In a 1-quart non-reactive saucepan, over medium high heat, reduce the tangerine juice to about 3/4 cup.
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2
Add the lemon juice.
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3
Remove from the heat and strain with a fine sieve.
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4
Return to saucepan, and reduce until the mixture bubbles and has a syrup-like consistency.
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5
You should have about 1/4 cup.
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6
Remove from the heat and strain again.
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7
Let cool to room temperature.
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8
Add the olive oil and salt.
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9
Refrigerate for up to 1 1/2 weeks.
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10
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
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11
Place beets in a baking pan, drizzle with the oil, and season with salt.
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12
Cover with foil.
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13
Bake for about 1 hour, or until tender when pierced with a knife.
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14
When cool enough to handle, peel them, slice thinly into round, and place in a dish.
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15
Remove wedge of blue cheese from the freezer.
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16
Using a microplane grater, grate the desired amount over the top of the beets.
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17
Garnish with almonds as desired.
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18
Blanch 1 cup almonds in boiling water, until the skins peel off.
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19
In an oven-proof skillet, heat 2 tablespoons butter, and add the peeled almonds.
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20
Sprinkle with Napa-style spice rub, and toss to coat.
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21
Place skillet in the oven and bake for about 6 to 7 minutes, or until light brown.
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22
Toast the fennel seeds, coriander seeds, and peppercorns in a small, heavy pan over medium heat.
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23
When the fennel turns light brown, work quickly.
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24
Turn on the exhaust fan, add the red pepper flakes, and toss, toss, toss, always under the fan.
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25
Immediately turn the spice mixture out onto a plate to cool.
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26
Put in a blender with the chili powder, salt, and cinnamon and blend until the spices are evenly ground.
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27
If you have a small spice mill or a coffee grinder dedicated to grinding spices, grind only the fennel, coriander, pepper, and chile flakes.
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28
Pour into a bowl and toss with the remaining ingredients.
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29
Chef's Note: Toasting freshens spices, releases their oils, and makes them more fragrant, as well as adding a new dimension of flavor.
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30
Keep the spice mix in a glass jar in a cool, dry place, or freeze.
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31
Taste your chili powder and, if spicy and hot, cut back the amount.
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32
California chiles are almost sweet, not hot.
