Sweet and Spiced Cranberry-Glazed Carrots
Elevate your vegetable side dish with these Sweet and Spiced Cranberry-Glazed Carrots. A delightful combination of tender baby carrots and a tangy cranberry sauce infused with cinnamon and orange zest creates a colorful and flavorful addition to any meal. Perfect for holiday gatherings or weeknight dinners, this recipe is both simple and satisfying. Share these beautifully glazed carrots with family and friends as a delicious way to enjoy seasonal flavors!
6
Servings
33
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
Baby Carrots
1 lb (washed and trimmed)
Water
1/2 cup (for steaming)
Jellied Cranberry Sauce
1/4 cup (no preparation needed)
Light Margarine or Margarine
2 tablespoons or 1 tablespoon (to melt)
Cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon (ground)
Orange Rind
1/2 teaspoon (freshly grated)
Instructions
1
In a microwave-safe container, combine the washed and trimmed baby carrots with 1/2 cup of water.
2
Cover the container with a lid or microwave-safe plastic wrap and cook on high for 3-5 minutes, or until the carrots are just tender. Drain the water and set the carrots aside.
3
In the same container, combine the jellied cranberry sauce and the light margarine. Microwave on 80% power for about 30 seconds, or until melted, stirring midway to combine.
4
Add the ground cinnamon and freshly grated orange rind to the melted mixture, stirring well to combine all the flavors.
5
Return the drained carrots to the container, and pour the cranberry sauce mixture over them. Toss gently to coat the carrots evenly with the sauce.
6
Serve the glazed carrots warm as a delicious and vibrant side dish.
Nutrition Information
1.3g
Fat
5.3g
Carbs
0.2g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Sweet and Spiced Cranberry-Glazed Carrots?
They are a vegetable side dish featuring tender baby carrots coated in a tangy glaze made from jellied cranberry sauce, cinnamon, and orange zest.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe is designed to make 6 servings.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 33 calories.
What are the primary ingredients?
The main ingredients are baby carrots, water, jellied cranberry sauce, light margarine, ground cinnamon, and orange rind.
How much fat is in one serving?
Each serving contains approximately 1.3g of fat.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 5.3g of carbohydrates per serving.
Does this carrot dish contain protein?
Yes, each serving contains approximately 0.2g of protein.
What kind of carrots should I use?
The recipe calls for 1 lb of baby carrots that have been washed and trimmed.
How are the carrots cooked?
The carrots are steamed in a microwave-safe container with water.
How long do the carrots need to be microwaved?
They should be cooked on high for 3 to 5 minutes or until they are just tender.
What is the purpose of the water in the recipe?
The 1/2 cup of water is used to steam the carrots during the initial microwave cooking phase.
What type of cranberry sauce is used for the glaze?
The recipe uses 1/4 cup of jellied cranberry sauce.
Can I use regular margarine instead of light margarine?
Yes, you can use 1 tablespoon of regular margarine as an alternative to 2 tablespoons of light margarine.
How much cinnamon is added to the glaze?
The recipe requires 1/4 teaspoon of ground cinnamon.
How much orange rind is needed for the flavor?
You should use 1/2 teaspoon of freshly grated orange rind.
How is the glaze prepared?
The cranberry sauce and margarine are melted together at 80% power for 30 seconds, then mixed with cinnamon and orange rind.
When do I add the glaze to the carrots?
Once the carrots are tender and drained, return them to the container and pour the melted glaze mixture over them.
Is this recipe suitable for the holidays?
Yes, it is specifically noted as a perfect side dish for holiday gatherings due to its seasonal flavors.
How should the finished carrots be served?
They should be served warm as a vibrant and flavorful side dish.
Is this a simple recipe to follow?
Yes, it is described as a simple and satisfying recipe that is easy to prepare.
What category does this dish belong to?
This dish is categorized under Vegetable side dishes.
Can I use regular carrots instead of baby carrots?
While the recipe specifies baby carrots, regular carrots can be used if they are peeled and sliced to a similar size for even cooking.
How do I ensure the glaze is well-combined?
Stir the cranberry sauce and margarine midway through melting and again after adding the spices and orange rind.
What is the preparation for the orange rind?
The orange rind should be freshly grated to provide the best citrus flavor.
What texture should the carrots have?
The carrots should be cooked until they are just tender, not mushy.
Is there a specific way to coat the carrots?
The recipe suggests tossing the carrots gently with the sauce to ensure they are coated evenly.
Can I use frozen baby carrots?
The recipe uses fresh carrots, but frozen baby carrots can be used if you adjust the steaming time accordingly.
Does this recipe contain cholesterol or sodium?
The nutritional data provided does not list specific values for cholesterol or sodium.
What gives the dish its 'spiced' profile?
The combination of ground cinnamon and fresh orange rind provides the spiced aroma and flavor.
Can I make this dish for a weeknight dinner?
Absolutely, its quick preparation and simple steps make it ideal for weeknight meals.