Beetroot soup and Beetroot juice - pink and pretty

Well, I have been trying new recipes out and not having much success. Took a beautiful photo of an "open" lasagne, but the eating part was very unimpressive. I persevere and hopefully you will get some new ideas.
Beetroot soup has been at the bottom end of my list of "recipes to try before I die" ha ha...however, this one tempted me and I am glad because it was really enjoyable. It looks visually stunning and tastes great and elicits much comment. What's not to like? The ginger cream can be excluded if you are dairy free, but maybe stir in a grating of ginger then. I served it in pretty tea cups for a dinner party.
The beetroot juice is healthy and oh so good for you but also refreshing and pretty, maybe small glasses for your next brunch party...come on, I know you are always having these  parties! If all this is too saintly for you, read to the end..

                                         Beetroot Soup with Ginger Cream
Serves 8 teacups (Feed your crockery!!)
1 Onion, diced
1T olive oil or butter
1 bay leaf
250g potatoes, diced
400g beetroot, peeled and diced or cut into thin strips (useful for decorating)
1L Vegetable or beef stock
1t dried marjoram (I used fresh oregano)
salt and pepper
2T red wine vinegar

Ginger Cream:
2cm piece fresh ginger, grated
100ml creme fraiche
100ml cream, whipped

Soup: Fry the onion in the oil, add bay leaf, potatoes and beetroot. Add stock and herbs, bring to boil and simmer 20 minutes. Remove some beetroot for decoration, discard bay leaf and puree. Season with salt and pepper and vinegar.
Cream: Mix ingredients together and spoon on top of soup prior to serving, scatter some beetroot shreds over.

                                                           Beetroot Gloop

 Serves 1

1 beetroot, washed 

2 apples 

2 carrots

½ lemon, peeled 
Small knob ginger

 Put through juice extractor and drink. Looks divine, tastes even better. Add ice to make it nice and cold, or make sure ingredients are cold.

I hope you enjoy all the pink frivolity in the midst of winter. Makes a change from beetroot pickled in vinegar. YUCK!! 

PS: A yummilicious winter post dinner drink...nothing to do with health....melt 100g white chocolate in 250 ml milk, stir in 2 tots rum, possibly share it with someone and sleep tight. MMMMMM