Description
Immerse yourself in the comforting embrace of Maple-Glazed Carrots with Cinnamon and Butter, a side dish that promises to elevate the dining experience with its luscious and hearty flavors. This recipe skillfully combines the natural sweetness of baby carrots with the delectable richness of maple syrup and brown sugar, all accented by a hint of cinnamon. Perfect for family dinners or special gatherings, these glazed carrots cater to both sweet and savory palates.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds baby carrots
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ cup packed brown sugar
- ¼ cup real maple syrup
- ⅓ cup butter, cubed
Step-by-step Directions
1. Prepare the Slow Cooker
Begin by placing the 2 pounds of baby carrots into a 6-quart slow cooker.
2. Add Dry Ingredients
Sprinkle the carrots with ½ teaspoon of salt, ½ teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and ¼ cup of packed brown sugar. Stir everything together to ensure the carrots are evenly coated.
3. Incorporate Liquids
Pour ¼ cup of real maple syrup over the coated carrots, tossing well to distribute the syrup thoroughly.
4. Add Butter
Spread the carrots out evenly across the base of the slow cooker. Dot the surface with ⅓ cup of cubed butter.
5. Cooking Time
Cover the slow cooker with its lid. Set to cook on “high” for 3 hours, or on “low” for 5-6 hours. If possible, stir the carrots 1-2 times during cooking to ensure even flavor distribution.
6. Thicken the Glaze
For a thicker glaze, remove the lid during the last 30 minutes of cooking and set the slow cooker to “high.” Alternatively, for a more controlled thickening, transfer the carrots to a bowl and pour the liquid into a saucepan. Simmer over medium-high heat, whisking frequently, until the glaze reduces and thickens, about 5 minutes.
Servings & Preparation Time
The recipe yields approximately 6 servings. Preparation time is about 10 minutes, with a cooking time of 3 to 6 hours depending on the heat setting.
Tips for Storage & Reheating
- Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in a microwave or stove top. If using a microwave, cover and heat on medium power to avoid drying out the carrots. For stove top reheating, place in a pan over medium heat until warm, adding a little water if necessary to prevent the glaze from burning.
Conclusion
The Maple-Glazed Carrots with Cinnamon and Butter recipe is a splendid combination of simplicity and flavor. It’s a versatile side dish that complements a wide array of main courses, from roasted meats to vegetarian plates. Whether you’re looking to impress guests or just add a touch of sweetness to your meal, this recipe promises to deliver delicious results that everyone will love.
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Maple-Glazed Carrots with Cinnamon and Butter
- Total Time: 42 minute
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
Immerse yourself in the comforting embrace of Maple-Glazed Carrots with Cinnamon and Butter, a side dish that promises to elevate the dining experience with its luscious and hearty flavors. This recipe skillfully combines the natural sweetness of baby carrots with the delectable richness of maple syrup and brown sugar, all accented by a hint of cinnamon. Perfect for family dinners or special gatherings, these glazed carrots cater to both sweet and savory palates.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds baby carrots
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ cup packed brown sugar
- ¼ cup real maple syrup
- ⅓ cup butter, cubed
Instructions
- Prepare the Slow Cooker: Begin by placing the 2 pounds of baby carrots into a 6-quart slow cooker.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Sprinkle the carrots with ½ teaspoon of salt, ½ teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and ¼ cup of packed brown sugar. Stir everything together to ensure the carrots are evenly coated.
- Incorporate Liquids: Pour ¼ cup of real maple syrup over the coated carrots, tossing well to distribute the syrup thoroughly.
- Add Butter: Spread the carrots out evenly across the base of the slow cooker. Dot the surface with ⅓ cup of cubed butter.
- Cooking Time: Cover the slow cooker with its lid. Set to cook on “high” for 3 hours, or on “low” for 5-6 hours. If possible, stir the carrots 1-2 times during cooking to ensure even flavor distribution.
- Thicken the Glaze: For a thicker glaze, remove the lid during the last 30 minutes of cooking and set the slow cooker to “high.” Alternatively, for a more controlled thickening, transfer the carrots to a bowl and pour the liquid into a saucepan. Simmer over medium-high heat, whisking frequently, until the glaze reduces and thickens, about 5 minutes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 3-6 hours