Since the beginning of September, we've been exposed to the color orange in the form of foliage on trees and shrubs, flowers, partially ripened tomatoes, candy corn, pumpkins, and a variety of fall decorations; both indoors and out. Lately, another orange delight has captured my attention. No, it's not orange sherbet. It's carrots!
Because carrots are crunchy and mildly sweet, they are perfect for munching and also make a tasty addition to a wide variety of recipes.
Carrots are very affordable and available year round. Buy crisp firm, smooth carrots with deep orange color.
In addition to being loaded with beta-carotene and fiber, this garden favorite also provides a good source of potassium and vitamin C. Hungry? Reach for a carrot.
Lots of flavor to be had
SUNSHINE CARROTS
5 med. carrots
1 T. sugar
1 tsp. cornstarch
1/4 tsp. gr. ginger
1/4 tsp. salt
1/4 cup orange juice
2 T. butter
Dice carrots; cook, covered in water, until tender (about 20 min). Drain. In a saucepan, combine sugar, cornstarch, ginger and salt. Add orange juice; cook until thickened. Boil one minute; stir in butter and toss with carrots.
For breakfast or lunch
ZUCCHINI CARROT MUFFINS
2 cups shredded carrot
1 cup shredded zucchini
1 cup chopped peeled apple
3/4 cup flaked coconut
1/2 cup chopped almonds
2 tsp. grated orange peel
2 cups flour
1-1/4 cups sugar
1 T. cinnamon
2 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt
3 eggs, lightly beaten
3/4 cup veg. oil
1 tsp. vanilla extract
Gently combine carrots, zucchini, apple, coconut, almonds and orange peel; set aside. In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, cinnamon, baking soda and salt. In another bowl, combine eggs, oil and vanilla; stir into dry ingredients just until moistened (batter will be thick). Fold in carrot mixture. Fill greased or paper-lined muffin cups two-thirds full. Bake at 375 for 20 to 22 min. or until muffins test done. Cool in pan 10 min. before removing to a wire rack. Yield: 18 standard size muffins.
Note: These freeze well.
A salad with lots of crunch
SHOESTRING SALAD
6 med. carrots, shredded
1/2 cup diced celery
1/3 cup chopped onion
1 can tuna, drained
1 cup Miracle Whip salad dressing
3 T. French dressing
1 to 2 tsp. sugar
1 cup shoestring potatoes
Combine carrots, celery, onion and tuna. Prepare the dressing by combining Miracle Whip, French dressing and sugar. Add to carrot mixture and stir to coat. Refrigerate. Just before serving stir in shoestring potatoes.
Tastes like apple pie
APPLE BARS
2 cups flour
1/2 cup margarine
1 tsp. sugar
5 apples, peeled and sliced
1 cup sour cream
1 cup sugar
2 T. flour
Dash of salt
Sugar and cinnamon
Combine flour, margarine and 1 tsp. sugar. Pat into lightly greased 9x13-in. baking dish. Add apples - layer as evenly as possible. Combine sour cream, sugar, flour and salt. Spread over apples. Sprinkle on some sugar and cinnamon to taste. Bake at 350 for 45 min.
Everyone enjoys this old favorite
ORANGE JULIUS
1 (6-oz) can frozen orange juice, partially thawed
1 cup milk
1/4 cup sugar
8 ice cubes
1 cup water
1 tsp. vanilla
Place all ingredients into blender. Blend at med. speed until well blended and frothy. Pour into glasses and serve.
Did you know?
There are 6-7 med. carrots or 3 cups shredded carrots in a pound. Two med. carrots will yield 1 cup sliced carrots.
1 green onion equals 2 T. sliced
1 sm. onion equals 1/3 cup chopped
1 med. onion equals 1/2 cup chopped
1 large onion equals 1 cup chopped
Summer Squash: 1-lb. equals 4 cups grated or 3-1/2 cups sliced
Food for Thought: Don't let what you cannot do interfere with what you can do.