2 lbs large carrots, peeled and sliced into sticks or rounds
2 tablespoons butter, melted
2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon alcohol-free vanilla extract
Fresh parsley or thyme for garnish
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. While the oven is warming up, peel your carrots and cut them into uniform sticks about three inches long, or thick diagonal rounds. Ensuring they are similar in size helps them cook evenly in the oven.
In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter, honey, ground cinnamon, salt, pepper, and alcohol-free vanilla extract. The mixture should be smooth and smell wonderfully fragrant, like a holiday kitchen.
Place the cut carrots onto a large rimmed baking sheet. Pour the honey cinnamon mixture over the carrots and use your hands or a spatula to toss them thoroughly. Make sure every single piece is well-coated in the glaze for maximum flavor.
Spread the carrots out in a single layer, ensuring they are not too crowded on the pan. Roast in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the carrots are tender and the edges are slightly browned and caramelized. You can toss them halfway through the cooking time to ensure even browning.
Remove the baking sheet from the oven and transfer the carrots to a serving platter. If there is any glaze left on the pan, drizzle it over the top. Sprinkle with fresh herbs if desired and serve warm.
