Candied Carrots!

I have never been a fan of cooked carrots. But eating them raw and with a side of Hidden Valley Ranch is one of my favorite snacks in the world! Granted, I could do without the ranch, or the ingredients of candied carrots, but I still like to believe that I'm getting some type of nutritional value by eating carrots. This is something that goes well with almost any dish. When cooked properly, they add a sweet, but not overbearing, flavor to your plate. These carrots compliment chicken, fish and beef dishes wonderfully. 

Ingredients:

• 1 lb of mini peeled carrots
• evoo (extra virgin olive oil)
• brown sugar
• nutmeg
• vanilla extract
• water

Let's get started!

In a saucepan, add 3/4cup of water. Once boiling, add your carrots, 2tbsp of evoo, 3tbsp of brown sugar, 1tspn of vanilla extract, and 2 tspn of nutmeg. Stir all of your ingredients and keep on a high boil. Once the water begins to become sticky, reduce heat to medium and cook until the water turns into a glaze. Add to your meal and enjoy! Also, if you have leftovers, I enjoy these carrots cold as well. Enjoy!

                     

Spiced Apple Cider

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!! 

Though I love any reason to celebrate with family and friends, there is something special about wintertime gatherings that just warms my heart! And speaking of warmth, who wouldn't love a simple drink that helps to keep you warm during this chilly season?! This recipe is a concoction of ideas I got from my Spelman Sister Dyanna over at The High Suite Life, one of my favorite bartenders in DC Jeremy at 1920DC, and some quirkiness of my own. This is a wonderful drink for large groups and functions because it is easy and quick to make. Even when it begins to run low, the re-up process doesn't take long. Plus, it makes everyone feel all warm and fuzzy...which leads to creating all types of hilarious memories. I hope that you all enjoy it as much as we have!

Ingredients:

• 64 fl oz of apple cider (of course purchase more if you're having a large party)
• Jack Daniels Honey
• 2 crisp apples
• vanilla extract
• peppermint extract
• nutmeg

Let's go!
Before adding anything, turn your crockpot on high so that it can begin to warm. Peel your apples and cut them into 1/2 inch chunks. To prevent splashing, I add the apples before the liquid. In your crockpot, add your chopped apples, the entire jug of cider, 3 cups of Jack Daniels Honey, 2 tbsp of vanilla extract, 1 tbsp of peppermint and top with nutmeg. **Now, if you don't have access to a crockpot, combining this on your stove top in a pot works just as well.** Stir occasionally in your crockpot. As it begins to warm, you will be able to smell the yumminess that awaits you!  

Grab a ladle and pour up!