Oven Roasted Sweet Carrots with Raisins and Thyme

A Piece of Cake

By Pat O’Keefe

I love to roast most vegetables compared to boiling or sautéing.  Slow roasting brings out the sweetness in any vegetable; this is especially true with carrots and onions. This method does take more time but once you have tasted the depth of flavor, you will never go back to the “boiling” method.   When you roast any vegetable it is very important to make sure the vegetables of choice are in a single layer not bunched up together.  If they are crowded on the pan they will steam not brown or roast.  Although fresh herbs are available all year in the markets, I especially like to use my home-grown varieties.  I also prefer yellow raisins, they seem fresher and sweeter to me. The following recipe for Sweet Roasted Carrots can be made for 2 or 22 depending on your needs.  Roast peeled cut up carrots in a single layer on a roasting pan in a high oven, half way through add the raisins and take them out when they have slightly browned edges and that is it!

Sweet Roasted Carrots

2-Tablespoons butter AND 2-Tablespoons good olive oil

2-Tablespoons honey

2-pounds carrots

1/2 Cup yellow Raisins

2-3-Tablespoons chopped fresh Thyme

Sufficient salt and pepper

Squeeze of fresh lemon

Preheat oven to 400º Line a large flat roasting pan or cookie sheet with foil.  You may have to use two sheets to insure that the carrots are in single layers.

Peel and diagonally slice the carrots in 1/4 inch pieces and place on prepared sheet(s).  Microwave the honey, butter and olive oil until melted add salt, pepper and chopped thyme.  Sprinkle this mixture over the carrots and toss to coat.  Roast for approximately 15-20 minutes, remove pan and toss carrots, add the raisins and return to the oven for an additional 10-15 minutes or until their edges are lightly browned.  Top with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and additional fresh thyme.  Serves 6-8

I will be happy to send you my weekly recipes via email just contact me at apieceofcake@optonline.net  On the Web at www.patokeefe.net Web site has an extensive collection of recipes with more added frequently.  Need a past recipe or have a question, I will do my best to help, just email me. ENJOY!