carrot and stick skin care

CANDIED CARROTS

Candied carrots make a playful and elegant garnish for your carrot cake or cupcakes, adding the perfect crispy texture to your dessert! This distinctive topping is sure to impress even the most discerning guests. The process of making candied carrots is as enjoyable as eating them, and their delicate curls create a stunning decoration that elevates your baked goods to a whole new level.

With their mild flavor, candied carrots are a versatile addition, perfect for enhancing almost any cake, cupcake, muffin, or sweet bread.

INGREDIENTS

  • 1 cup water
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 2 large carrots (outer skin removed)
  • Parchment paper
  • Cooking spray

INSTRUCTIONS

  • Preheat the oven to 225°F.
  • Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly coat it with cooking spray.
  • Using a vegetable peeler, carefully peel 15-20 long strips from the carrots.
  • In a saucepan, bring the water and sugar to a boil.
  • Add the carrot strips, reduce the heat, and simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent the syrup from burning.
  • Drain the carrot strips and let them cool for 5 minutes.
  • Arrange the strips in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they don’t touch each other to prevent sticking.
  • Bake for 20 minutes.
  • Remove the carrot strips from the oven.
  • Working quickly, wrap each strip around the handle of a wooden spoon, slide it off, and sprinkle with sugar.
  • Let the carrot curls cool for 30 minutes.
  • Once cooled, layer them between wax paper and store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.

NOTES
Be sure to act fast after removing the carrot strips from the oven to prevent them from drying out. By removing them one at a time, you’ll have a bit more time to work with each strip before it hardens.
This recipe makes 15-20 candied carrot curls.

CHICKEN POT PIE PASTA

This one-pot creamy Chicken Pot Pie Pasta is a quick and easy dinner that captures all the comforting flavors of a classic chicken pot pie—only in pasta form! Made in a single pot and ready in under an hour, it’s a perfect hassle-free meal.

INGREDIENTS

  • 1 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 1 stalk celery, chopped
  • 1 medium carrot, chopped
  • 6 skinless, boneless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • ½ tsp salt (or to taste)
  • ¼ tsp pepper (or to taste)
  • 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp fresh rosemary, chopped (or ½ tsp dried rosemary)
  • ½ cup white wine (can be substituted with chicken broth)
  • 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 12 oz uncooked pasta
  • 1 cup frozen peas
  • 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

INSTRUCTIONS

  • In a large saucepan or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the onions, celery, and carrot, then sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables soften.
  • Add the chicken thighs and season with salt and pepper. Cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is no longer pink.
  • Sprinkle in the flour and stir to coat the chicken and vegetables. Cook for 1 minute, then add the rosemary, white wine, chicken broth, and pasta. Stir well and adjust seasoning if needed.
  • Simmer over medium-low heat for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add the frozen peas and cook for another 5–10 minutes, or until the pasta reaches your desired tenderness.
  • Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.

NOTES

  • Chicken options: Chicken breasts can be used in place of thighs.
  • Searing for flavor: Brown the chicken well on all sides to enhance the dish’s flavor.
  • Pasta texture: Set a timer to avoid overcooking. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
  • Salt control: If using salted butter or regular chicken broth, adjust the added salt carefully.
  • Storage: Let the pasta cool completely before storing. It will stay fresh for 3–5 days in an airtight container in the fridge. For longer storage, freeze for up to 2–3 months and thaw in the fridge before reheating.

If you try this recipe, don’t forget to leave a review! Your feedback helps us continue sharing delicious free recipes. Enjoy!