Glazed Carrots

We interrupt this program to post the following veggie recipe. Quick, Thick & Thin Chicken Alfredo Pizza, Part II will continue, as promised, tomorrow.

A respite from the ooey-gooey cheesy decadence in favor of a non-taxing veggie dish. Carrots. But not just any carrots. Glazed carrots. Make it as a side to compliment just about any entree imaginable. Simple. Nutritious. Delicious. Straight from the cornucopia of my garden. Well, somebody's garden anyway....

GLAZED CARROTS

Glazed Carrots are perfect for those slightly bitter bunches that we all come across now and then...

• 1 lb baby carrots
• 1 Tbsp butter (or reduced fat butter)
• 2 tsp water
• 1 Tbsp light brown sugar
• Dash of salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 1 tsp dried parsley

1. Place carrots in a medium size saucepan and just cover with water. Add 1/2 tablespoon of salt to the cooking water. Bring to a boil, reduce heat slightly and cook until carrots are tender-crisp, about 8-10 minutes.
2. Drain cooking water and place carrots in a bowl. To same saucepan, add the butter and melt over low heat. Add the 2 teaspoons of water and the brown sugar and, stirring frequently, cook until combined, 2-4 minutes. Season with a dash of salt and a generous amount of black pepper. Add carrots and toss to coat.
3. Transfer carrots to serving bowl and garnish with the parsley. Serve hot.

 Tips on Storage, Preparation and Nutrition

  

• When selecting, look for firm carrots with orange (i.e., not green) tops.

• To increase shelf-life, snip off the tops, place in a plastic bag and store in your vegetable crisper
• Have leg cramps? Eat a bowlful of carrots! One cup of this orange wonder packs a whopping 410mg of  potassium, a mineral usually lacking in those who suffer from muscle cramps
• Carrots are high in anti-oxidants which help in healthy cell reproduction
• Carrots are high in vitamin A, necessary for healthy eyesight
• Carrots are high in B-complex vitamins (did you know that? I didn't) which helps to combat depression and low energy levels-- and who doesn't need a natural energy boost?
• When possible, serve carrots raw to retain all of their inherent health benefits and vitamins.

LINKS

Nutritional Information