How to Glaze or Sweeten Canned Carrots

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A side dish of carrots is a dependable old standby that provides both color and nutrition to your table. Even with all their good qualities, cooked carrots are a bit bland and boring, especially when they come from a can. A sweet glaze brings out the best in your carrot dish, making them palatable for even the most avowed vegetable-hater. Although fresh carrots generally have the best flavor and texture, you can glaze canned carrots and have a tasty dish on the table in minutes.

Step 1

Place brown sugar and butter in a large saucepan. Use approximately 2 tablespoons of brown sugar and 1 tablespoon of butter for every 2 cups of carrots. Add a small amount of raisins, if desired.

Step 2

Add salt to taste or flavor the carrots with a dash of cinnamon. For tangy carrots, stir in about 1/4 to 1/2 cup of orange juice or balsamic vinegar for every 2 cups of carrots.

Step 3

Turn the burner on medium-low and heat the mixture, stirring frequently, until the brown sugar dissolves into the butter.

Step 4

Drain the canned carrots thoroughly, and stir them into the brown sugar mixture. Stir gently until the carrots are hot and evenly covered with the syrupy glaze.

Step 5

Keep the carrots warm until you're ready to serve and transfer them to a serving bowl. Garnish the carrots with a sprig of parsley, if desired.