carrots

I've said it before and I'll say it again: when you've got really great seasonal produce, you don't have to do much to create a standout dish that perfectly complements a meal. The slightly sweet flavor of carrots is a fresh counterpart to a meaty main course, so why cover it up in heavy sauces or turn it into something else entirely? What's more is that this preparation of carrots is not only visually appealing, but it's also incredibly fast and easy.

Get your hands on some smaller carrots with the tops on for easy steaming. Leaving a little bit of the green tops on the carrot (a half inch or so) makes a beautiful presentation filled with color. You'll be surprised what this small step does for the overall aesthetic of the dish.

I like to steam these until they are just tender enough to be pierced with a fork, but still have a little bit of bite to them. Immediately dunking your perfectly steamed carrots into an ice bath stops the cooking process and preserves the bright color and fresh flavor.

A sprinkle of salt and pepper and a drizzle of olive oil and lemon juice enhance the flavors of the carrots, and you've got a simple and fresh side dish that is full of color and flavor. For the incredibly easy recipe, read on.

You eat carrots regularly — but how much do you know about them? Although they can be grown year-round, all root vegetables thrive during the Winter season, protected from cooler temperatures by the earth. Carrots are known for their vibrant orange color, but there are also purple, red, yellow, and white varieties — mostly grown as novelty crops. The root itself is crunchy and sweet, while the leafy greens tend to be on the bitter side.

To learn more about carrots and discover new dishes, just keep reading

I have loved Jamie Oliver since his days on The Naked Chef and have definitely picked up each one of his cookbook along the way! His latest, Meals in Minutes, is a new take on the cookbook: rather than being individual dishes, the recipes are full meals that, in his words, only take about 30 minutes to prepare with some practice.

Fall is arriving in San Francisco, so it was the perfect opportunity to try out one of his comforting meals of chicken pot pie, smashed carrots, French-style peas, and a seasonal fruit shortcake-like dessert. Rather than make use of prepared ingredients like pre-sliced mushrooms to save time, he calls on home cooks to use whole ingredients and pull out their food processors for quick prep. This amazing dinner took me about an hour (including the photos along the way), so it really was a delicious and doable weeknight meal. So see if you can beat my time for this fast feast when you keep reading for the recipe.

How many times have you been at a soirée and picked at sticks of celery and carrots, occasionally dipping them into a bowl of ranch dressing? A typical party hors d'oeuvre, the veggie sticks are often the healthiest option at a buffet table.
While you can't go wrong with either of them, there are distinct differences between the two, which may have you trying to balance out your consumption.

Want to find out what they are?