Preheat oven to 400°F

Scrub beets well and wrap them individually in foil. Place them on a baking sheet and roast until they can be easily pierced with a skewer, about one hour. Remove from oven and allow to cool.

When cool enough to handle, remove beets from foil, cut off tops and slip off skin (those gloves that food handlers wear are great for this purpose). Cut beets into one and a half-inch cubes.

Combine orange juice and orange zest in a large skillet and boil over medium-high heat until reduced to half a cup.

Whisk in the oil and add the beets. Continue cooking, stirring frequently, until liquid is reduced to a thick glaze. Add salt and pepper to taste.

Meanwhile, heat a medium skillet over medium heat and toast almonds until just golden, one to two minutes.

Serve beets in their juice with almonds scattered on top.