“Maple Baby Carrots with Bacon”

In the Summertime, I love coming up with deliciously, simple sides for all my grilled delights. You must have sides that will stand up to all the sauces and marinades. Most important, sides must compliment those entrees making a complete meal. Introducing my Maple Baby Carrots with Bacon, a salty, sweet combination you’ll wonder why you never came up with this recipe all by yourself. Bacon makes everything better as they say. In this instance, I promise this is so true.

Maple Baby Carrots with Bacon

Made with those little carrots we usually see on relish trays or snack on with a little dill dip. But hold the phone because these little carrots are simmered in butter, dark brown sugar, maple syrup with a little garlic. Then you uncover and let simmer until carrots are tender to your liking. As the carrots simmer, the glaze becomes thick and coats the carrots. Remove from heat and stir in chopped bacon. Sprinkle in a little chopped parsley for a pop of freshness if you like and Maple Baby Carrots with bacon are ready for plating. I actually forgot to purchase parsley the day I made this recipe. So you can omit the parsley if need be.

Maple Baby Carrots with Bacon

Use a good quality maple syrup in its purest form. Do not use pancake syrup as a result is not the same thing. Trust me this a salty sweet combination made in heaven. Use can use light brown sugar for a little less sweetness but I highly recommend the dark. The bacon lends the salty smoked flavor that is irresistible. I’m all about veggies with flavor. Love carrots then visit my recipe for Balsamic Blood Orange Glazed Baby Carrots. Blood Oranges are available so don’t miss the opportunity to try them if you haven’t.

Maple Baby Carrots with Bacon

So, the next time you grill pork chops, ribs, or a pork loin, try my Maple Baby Carrots with Bacon. This recipe is a great way to get kids to eats a vegetable and introduce more than a vegetable with plain old butter. I know you and your family will love these little orange darlings and no doubt sure to be on your Summertime meal rotation. You can prepare this recipe ahead of serving and warm them up when ready. Enjoy!

Maple Baby Carrots with Bacon

Maple Baby Carrots with Bacon

1 ½ pounds baby carrots

1/4 cup unsalted butter

1/4 cup water

1/3 cup pure maple syrup

1/3 cup light or dark brown sugar

1 t. chopped garlic

1 t. kosher salt

1/2 t. freshly ground black pepper

1/3 cup chopped cooked bacon

Using a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt butter. Add in carrots and water. Bring to boil and add in maple syrup, brown sugar, garlic, salt and pepper. Stir to combine.

Reduce heat to medium and cover skillet with lid. Cook for 7 to 8 minutes. Uncover and cook for 8 to 10 minutes or until desired doneness and sauce has thickened.

Stir in bacon and serve hot.