Oh the joy of success and disappointment in failure with cooking. This week has been filled with both. Everything always turning out perfect is not anywhere close to reality. Most of the time things go very well and according to plan. However a different cooking method can greatly affect results. It can also make the difference between a flavor you like or not. Such is with me and carrots. It’s a vegetable I enjoy only certain ways. One of them is Roasted Baby Carrots with Madeira Orange Glaze.
I should have listened to my instincts. It would have saved me from tossing out the first batch. However I thought the glaze would make a difference. I was wrong. The problem lies in that I have never been a fan of boiled carrots. Coating a boiled carrot with a glaze could not cover up that taste. Roasting is a different story. Something magical happens to a carrot when it is roasted. A nutty-like flavor emerges and sweetness is enhanced. The Madeira orange glaze compliments both of those.
The glaze is quick and easy to prepare. Madeira and orange juice simmer for a few minutes to concentrate flavors. A small amount of cornstarch is added to thicken it. Finally a pat of butter melts in to give it a dash of extra goodness. You could leave out the butter if you want it to be non-fat. The roasted carrots are tossed in the glaze right before serving. A sprinkling of parsley puts a final touch of freshness on top.
About the carrots: They are baby rainbow carrots (also called Dutch baby carrots) and I found them at my local grocery store. They are about 4 or 5-inches long and have some of the stem still on top. They come in a six ounce bag and I used two bags. They are pre-scraped and ready to use. If you find them in a bunch with full tops you will need to cut off the tops to about an inch and scrape the carrots prior to roasting.
Have you had any cooking successes or failures lately? What was it and what did you learn from it? I learned to stick to my instincts with carrots. I like them best prepared with two methods. One is grilled like with Rainbow Carrots with Cilantro Chile Drizzle or these Roasted Baby Carrots with Madeira Orange Glaze. Wait, there is carrot cake too. Now I’m thinking about baking. What’s next? Stay tuned…
Roasted Baby Carrots with Madeira Orange Glaze
Ingredients
- 12 ounces baby carrots scraped if needed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil about
- Salt and pepper
- 1/4 cup orange juice
- 1/4 cup Madeira
- 3/4 teaspoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons cold water
- 1 teaspoon unsalted butter
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
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Place carrots on a baking sheet and drizzle with a small amount of olive oil. Lightly sprinkle with salt and pepper. Toss to coat carrots with oil then spread out evenly on baking sheet.
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Roast carrots for 25 minutes, until tender or desired doneness.
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Bring orange juice and Madeira to a boil in a skillet. Reduce heat to medium and cook for 3 minutes.
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Dissolve cornstarch in water. Slowly pour into skillet, whisking constantly while adding. Cook for 1 minute or until thickened (should thicken quickly).
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Add butter to the skillet and cook, whisking constantly, until melted. Remove skillet from heat.
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Toss carrots in the glaze and transfer to a serving plate. Garnish with parsley if desired.
Recipe Notes
A recipe for roasted baby carrots with Madeira orange glaze. Baby rainbow a.k.a Dutch carrots are roasted until tender and tossed with a citrus wine glaze.
Recipe inspired from one in the Southern Living 1983 Annual Recipes cookbook (no longer in print).
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Liz says
What gorgeous carrots, Renee! And the sauce sounds divine!
Renee says
Thank you Liz! Those rainbow carrots are just so pretty.
Anita at Hungry Couple says
I love the multi-colored baby carrots and snap them up whenever I see them. I’m actually a die hard carrot lover and I will eat them any way you prepare them – usually raw. 🙂 This glaze looks great, though.
Renee says
About the only time I eat raw carrots if it is with dip or in a salad. Roasted is my favorite for sure.
Susan says
I’m with you. I can’t stand boiled carrots but love roasted. Love the colorful baby carrots, they are some my favorites!
Renee says
I’m glad I’m not the only one who doesn’t care for boiled carrots. Thank you for that.
Lori @ Foxes Love Lemons says
Cooking failures can be super frustrating, but on the other hand, I sort of relish them because it means that we can never stop learning in the kitchen. At least, that’s what I told myself when I had THREE failed batches of red velvet ice cream earlier this month.
This is a great, elegant side dish. I keep Marsala on hand, but I’m not too familiar with Madeira.
Renee says
Oh no! Three failed batches of ice cream must have been difficult to work through. Glad you did and hope to see it soon on your blog.
Madeira is a fortified wine similar to port. You can find it by the port, brandy, and sherry in a wine or liquor store. The older the better.
Stacy says
I’m with you on the boiled carrots, Renee. I’ll eat them but they are really not my favorite. Roasted, on the other hand, I’ll eat any day. Sometimes I roast mine with butter, honey and a little orange juice so your madeira glaze sounds like a nice twist that I would love. I only wish I could get your pretty and colorful baby carrots over here.
Brianne @ Cupcakes & Kale Chips says
My hubby loves Madeira. Never thought of it in a carrot glaze. We will have to try it!
Renee says
Oh yes, if your hubby love Madeira then this is definitely a recipe to make for him.
Bill says
Such a great recipe, Renee! Carrots are a vegetable that I love but I don’t make very often. I’m not sure why, but your recipe has inspired me to cook them more often. They look delicious and your photo is awesom!
Renee says
Interesting is that I don’t make carrots that often either. And when I do I always say they will be a part of more meals. I’m sure with this recipe they will be because we enjoyed it so much.
Karen (Back Road Journal) says
The Madeira and orange glaze must give your carrots great taste.
Renee says
The glaze definitely gives the roasted carrots a great taste. Thanks for visiting and commenting!