I wish there was a paint color called "beet."  That was silly- I'm sure there is.  Regardless, every time I cut one open I think about how awesome the color is, and how great the colors are in general that God puts in food.  Really.  Avocados, lemons, beets.  Color.

I simply cut mine (peel sometimes, sometimes not- I scrub them good) and throw in the oven with olive oil, salt and pepper for abount 15 minutes, toss, then another 20 or so until fork tender.  Love them hot and cold.  Cold with some goat cheese really is a great combo.  We got these beets from a farm stand near Hillsboro, VA.  They were $3 for a huge bunch, and I think- delicious.