I have always found carrots to be less than exciting. Maybe part of the indifference comes from the disparity between their spectacular colour and lacklustre flavour – even young, tender carrots leave me wanting. The other night at the grocery store I asked Ian what he’d like for dinner as a side for risotto balls and he responded with “carrots.” I was up for the challenge and remembered a very similar formula for roasted parsnips that received a considerable amount of enthusiasm and thought that the same principles would apply. I am happy to report that the carrot transformation was a  complete success. These honey roasted carrots are sweet and softly salty, the honey glaze turns into a sticky toffee-like coating that brings out a flavour that captures exactly what I feel carrots should taste like; something oddly bright and earthy at the same time.

honey roasted carrots:

7 large carrots, peeled and cut into 3-inch strips

3 Tbsp. of honey

3 Tbsp. of vegetable oil

1 tsp. kosher salt

1/4 cup of fresh basil or parsley (or both), cut into a thin chiffonade or snipped with scissors

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

2. Whisk together the honey, vegetable oil, and kosher salt in a small bowl. In a large mixing bowl mix the honey and oil mixture with the carrot strips until they are well coated.

3. Either line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil, adding non-stick cooking spray if using the latter. Distribute the carrots evenly and bake for 35-40 minutes, turning the carrots halfway through the cooking time for even roasting.

4. Transfer the honey roasted carrots to a serving platter immediately and garnish generously with fresh basil and some additional salt to taste.

I’ve had the new Mazzy Star album Seasons of Your Day on repeat for the past 4 hours and just on in general since I first listened to it being streamed on the CBC website. For the most part the album sounds like an extension of their earlier records and of the Warm Inventions which is exactly what I what anticipating and hoping for. This is rainy day music at its best and a dream soundtrack for the grey Vancouver weather we’ve been hurriedly thrown into; autumn always feels more inviting with the presence of fuzzy warmth in the form of music.

Mazzy Star – In the Kingdom