Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Gather all ingredients and place them near your cooking area.
- In a small saucepan, combine the baby carrots, apple juice or cider, red pepper flakes, brown sugar, and all spices (ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and allspice).
- If using, add the tablespoon of spiced rum to the mixture.
- Stir thoroughly to coat the carrots with the spice mixture.
- Set the burner to medium heat and bring the mixture to a low boil, stirring frequently to prevent sticking.
- Continue cooking as the liquid reduces and thickens, about 10-15 minutes. Stir constantly once it begins to thicken to prevent scorching.
- Cook until the carrots reach a crispy-tender texture and the sauce has reduced to a thick, glossy coating that clings to the carrots.
- Remove from heat and serve warm as a festive side dish.
Nutrition
Notes
For best results, use fresh spices as they lose potency over time. If you don't have baby carrots, regular carrots cut into smaller pieces work perfectly well. The rum adds depth but cooks off completely, leaving just the flavor behind. For a vegan variation, try adding a splash of coconut cream to create an even more luscious sauce.
These carrots pair beautifully with roasted meats, wild rice pilaf, or as part of a vegetarian harvest plate. Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
