A Beta Carotene Blitz!

Maybe you are more of an adult than I am, but sometimes I need to sneak the veggies I know my body needs down my craw. Previously a pizza vegetarian, I now love vegetables, but I need flavor!! It’s from this dilemma that my new favorite carrot recipe sprang forth. Remember a recipe is only as useful as you allow it to be, so if you are missing a spice or ingredient, improvise. You may find your new favorite or, worse case scenario; you’ll get out of eating your veggies for a night.

Mama Doll's Baked Carrots

What you'll need:

*Baby carrots: 16oz/$1.50 on average

*Nonstick spray: 5oz/ $0.99

*Spices: whatever you have on hand. Asian 5 spice 2oz/ $4.99 approx.

*An oven

Max cost: $7.50

How to do it:

Step 1:

Preheat oven to 350ºF.

Step 2:

Spray an 8” square pan (or whatever you got) with nonstick spray; or drizzle oil in pan;

Step 3:

Dump bag of baby carrots in pan( or wash and cut up adult carrots into pieces—1” or so).

Step 4:

Sprinkle carrots with Asian 5 spice (this is going to give you a sweet, savory spiciness that will make you wonder why you don't put 5 spice on everything)

Step 5:

I add extra cinnamon, a modest sprinkle, and then layer on a heavy crust of brown sugar--I use organic brown sugar, but this is a personal decision. Use what you have! A recipe doesn’t do you any favors if you have to reinvent your pantry to make it.

Step 6:

Toss the carrots around with a wooden spoon and then right before shoving the pan in the oven, dot with butter. Bake 30 min and then test for doneness by inserting the tip of a paring knife into a couple of the thicker carrots. I like a bit of crunchiest left but again, you are the chef. Cook to your desired level of doneness. Remember, the cardinal rule of cooking: If you make it, they have to eat it!!!!PR