I’ve been finding lots of carrots in my Grant Farms CSA delivery box this fall and have been adding shredded carrots to smoothies, chopping them up for soups and stews and I even made a big pot of carrot and ginger soup the other day. Delicious.
Before launching into next week’s sugar-laden, progressive dessert party that Diane at the W.H.O.L.E. Gang is kindly hosting, I thought I’d slip in a carrot recipe. Just to remind myself and my readers that my “roots” are in nutrient-dense, whole foods. I’m a nutrition therapist. Remember that next week, okay? I’ll be on a short visit to planet sugar, not permanently relocating. If I end up staying past next week, someone come and save me (Ali, that might have to be you).
Carrots – think carrots. They’re sweet and full of natural sugar. Yeah, I know – that’s not quite the same as a double chocolate brownie dripping with frosting while decorating the Christmas tree.
Back to carrots.
honey-glazed spiced carrots
what you need
1 tablespoon butter or coconut oil
2 tablespoons shallots, finely diced
several organic carrots, scrubbed and chopped (I used about 3 to 4 cups)
1 cup vegetable broth (I use home-made or Imagine organic veggie broth; you could also use chicken broth)
2 - 3 tablespoons honey
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
sea salt and fresh ground pepper
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
what you do
Melt butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add shallots and sauté for 2 or 3 minutes. Add broth and stir in carrots. Bring to a low boil, reduce heat and simmer covered for about 10 to 15 minutes. Carrots should be tender, but not over-cooked or mushy. Add the honey, salt and pepper and continue simmering until the sauce becomes syrupy. The honey can burn quickly, so stir often and watch closely. You may have to reduce the heat. Stir in nutmeg just before serving. Transfer to a platter and garnish with parsley. Makes 4 to 6 servings.
Up next – holiday desserts! Stay tuned.
Peace, love and sweet veggies.
Melissa
Ah, Melissa, always the voice of reason-thank you for the reminder. I just ate some veggie soup with gf whole-grain crackers, that makes me feel better. 🙂 So please don’t judge me for posting a crustless pecan pie recipe as my lead in to our progressive dinner party …
I used to make a simple dish of honey-glazed carrot slices called carrot coins. This recipe looks more balanced with shallots, broth, and seasonings. Yum. And, I’ve got carrots to use, too. Your photo of the carrots is gorgeous by the way. Real food is beautiful. 😉
Shirley
Melissa,
Put down those carrots my friend… I’m in urgent need of a ‘cooling’ potion (see Miles latest post) and the thought of anything spicy is proving too much for me 🙂 Having said that I’m all for your wonderful recipes and the nutritional benefits (she says as she chomps away on a large papaya instead of a chocolate brownie).
Seriously though, I love root veg cooked this way and sometimes do a similar dish with parsnips.
Cid
p.s. haven’t forgotten the kitchen shots, just a little decorating left to do before it’s fit to send. Let me know if you want to dine here at Christmas… I’ll set a place just in case 🙂
I hear ya Melissa! I do feel a little strange posting so many baked goods/desserts in a row! Certainly these are not the foods we eat all the time! :0
A good glazed carrot recipe sounds like a nice balance! I have more soups and raw wraps I’ll be posting next week to keep some sort of balance! 🙂
Looking forward to your dessert! 😉
Shirley,
Oh, don’t worry at all. No judging, especially by someone eating Ali’s gingerbread cookies at the crack of dawn! This sugar week is about to do me in, but I must admit, I’m enjoying the process.
🙂
Having said that, sugar is my downfall and resisting over-doing it is difficult for me. I find it’s easier to exclude it altogether. BUT (the famous “but”), it’s the holidays and sweet treats are a fun part of the season.
Onward…
This looks amazing, I defiantly want to try it 🙂
Cid,
Yes, of course, I’d love to join you for Christmas dinner, providing you don’t mind me bringing my own quirky cast of characters. I’d be afraid to leave them here unattended. For some reason, I’m imaging everyone will get along just fine, including my elderly mother who is a handful to say the least. She’s very entertaining though. I’m thinking our Christmas dinner in your wonderful old house would resemble a Woody Allen movie.
🙂
Some day I will be having tea with you in your kitchen. Or, we may find ourselves invading Table #5 at Miles’ establishment.
And yes, you’re so right, a couple of Miles’ recent posts and your “heated” comments always bring a smile to my face (or a hearty laugh). I’ve been a bit pressed for time lately and not blog-hopping as much as I’d like. Must head over to the other channel and see the “week in review.”
I’ll catch you over there.
Melissa
xo
Ali,
I made your gingerbread cookies the other day and have been sneaking them periodically. Same with the brownies I made. By the way, those cookies of yours are wonderful. I love the crusty outside and soft inside.
HELP! I need to get away from these sweets. It’s amazing how quickly sugar gets to me. And I know better!
Michelle,
I’m back on the veggie bandwagon so hopefully my blog posting will be more of this kind of thing rather than sweets. Darn!
🙂
Melissa,
Woody Allen movie …. absolutely! We’ll be the glamour and leave the secondary roles to the rest of the eccentric cast, not forgetting Fairbanks who’ll be himself (Oscar winning role 🙂 )
Just picture it…. you and I plus our respective ‘hangers-on’, all our boyfriends (I suggest we sit Pat Rafter in between the pair of us to avoid favouritism 🙂 ) including the marvelous Miles and the mysterious Table #5, a selection of well behaved female friends (that could be difficult given the company). There’ll be sand art and indigo dying, kimono wearing, good food and first class company.
‘To absent friends’ I’ll say on Christmas day as I raise a gluten free glass…. and no one here will have the faintest idea who I’m talking about 🙂
Cid
p.s. had a customer in the shop this week who admitted to collecting vintage clothing which included kimono and 20’s gear… who’d have thought there’d be two of us in such a small town!