1 pound fresh carrots, peeled and sliced into sticks
2 tablespoons olive oil
1.5 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
0.5 teaspoon sea salt
0.25 teaspoon black pepper
Fresh parsley or thyme for garnish
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. While the oven is warming up, wash and peel your carrots. Slice them into even sticks or diagonal coins, ensuring they are roughly the same size so they cook at a consistent rate.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, honey, ground cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Whisk the mixture until the honey is fully incorporated into the oil. Add the carrot pieces to the bowl and toss them thoroughly until every piece is coated in the cinnamon glaze.
Spread the seasoned carrots out in a single layer on a large baking sheet. It is important not to crowd the pan, as the carrots need space for the air to circulate so they roast rather than steam. For easier cleanup, you can line the tray with parchment paper.
Place the baking sheet in the center of the oven and roast for about 25 to 30 minutes. Halfway through the cooking time, use a spatula to flip the carrots over. This ensures even browning and prevents the honey from burning on one side.
Once the carrots are tender and the edges are slightly caramelized, remove them from the oven. Transfer them to a festive serving platter and sprinkle with fresh herbs like parsley or thyme for a pop of color before serving.
