Honey Roasted Carrots With Cayenne & Feta

If I could whip up this side dish for our dinner guests all winter, I would. The combination of flavors here is spot on and the preparation is a breeze. This is a lovely side dish for the holiday season and tastes great. It can be served alongside roasted chicken or steak or topped onto a bowl of cooked lentils and rice for a complete meal. I kept the carrot greens intact for this particular dish so guests could use their fingers. These carrots are sweet, spicy, salty, and juicy. What more could you ask for in a vegetable dish? We will serve these at our Christmas gathering with friends and family, and I'm making a double batch because I know they'll fly quickly. I hope you all enjoy this simple recipe as much as we do. Pour a bourbon and clink glasses with your favorite people and enjoy the season's flavors.

Ingredients

• 2 bunches of carrots with their greens, about 3 pounds
• 1/2 cup bourbon
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 2 tablespoons lime juice
• 1/4 cup minced parsley

Directions

1. Preheat the Oven
   Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line two rimmed baking sheets with parchment paper. This will prevent the carrots from sticking and make cleanup easier.
2. Prepare the Carrots
   Trim the carrot greens if they are overly long but leave a bit of the green tops for presentation and ease of handling. Scrub the carrots thoroughly to remove any dirt. Peeling them is unnecessary as the skins will add flavor and texture. Place the carrots in a single layer on the prepared baking sheets.
3. Make the Glaze
   Mix the bourbon, honey, cayenne pepper, and kosher salt in a bowl. Stir well to combine.
4. Coat the Carrots
   Drizzle the bourbon-honey mixture over the carrots. Using tongs, toss the carrots to ensure they are evenly coated on all sides. Spread the carrots back into a single layer for even roasting.
5. Roast the Carrots
   Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven. Roast the carrots for about 45 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time to ensure they brown evenly on all sides. The carrots are done when they are tender and lightly browned.
6. Finish and Serve
   Remove the carrots from the oven and immediately drizzle them with lime juice for freshness. Transfer the carrots to a serving platter. Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese and minced parsley over the top. Pour any remaining juices from the baking sheets over the carrots to enhance the flavor.
7. Serve
   Serve the honey-roasted carrots warm or at room temperature. They make a delightful side dish that complements a variety of main courses or can be part of a larger spread.

Additional Tips

• Variations: You can substitute the bourbon with apple cider or orange juice if you prefer a non-alcoholic version. Adjust the amount of cayenne to suit your spice preference.
• Additions: For an extra touch, sprinkle toasted nuts such as pine nuts or almonds over the carrots before serving.
• Storage: Any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They can be reheated in the oven or enjoyed cold in a salad.
• Make Ahead: You can prepare the glaze and trim the carrots a day before. Store them separately in the refrigerator and roast the carrots just before serving.

Enjoy these flavorful Honey-Roasted Carrots with Cayenne and Feta, a perfect blend of sweet, spicy, and savory that will surely impress your guests!