Honey Glazed Carrots with a Citrus Twist

INGREDIENTS

• 6 large carrots, peeled and cut diagonally
• ¼ cup butter
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• 3 tbsp honey
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• ½ tsp salt, or to taste
• ¼ tsp nutmeg
• â…› tsp clove
• Juice from ½ an orange
• 1 tsp vanilla paste or extract

GARNISH

• Zest of 1 orange
• 1 sprig of fresh thyme
• A sprinkle of fresh Italian parsley

INSTRUCTIONS

• Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C).
• Prepare the Carrots: In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add the carrots, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, clove, and salt. Cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring frequently, until the carrots are well-coated with the butter and spice mixture.
• Bake the Carrots: Transfer the carrots to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spreading them out evenly. Place in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes, or until tender and lightly caramelized.
• Make the Glaze: While the carrots are baking, return the skillet to the stove. Add the reserved glaze from the skillet and cook over medium heat for 5-7 minutes, until it begins to thicken. Stir in the orange juice, honey, and vanilla extract.
• Combine: Once the carrots are done, add them back to the skillet with the glaze. Cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, gently tossing the carrots to ensure they are thoroughly coated in the glaze.
• Garnish and Serve: Plate the glazed carrots and garnish with orange zest, fresh thyme, and a sprinkle of Italian parsley. Serve warm and enjoy!