All Things Carrot

 Hello CSA,

As we turn into the fall season, it is time to pull off the shorts and pull on some fleece.  I love the carrots that come in the CSA boxes, which can be used in many ways. 

Here is a vegan recipe for carrot bread I like to make: 

For shortening I use coconut oil

This carrot bread includes cinnamon, nutmeg, pecans, and raisins, along with other ingredients and spices.

Cook Time: 1 hour

Ingredients:

1/4 cup shortening

1 cup brown sugar, packed

1 cup water

1 cup raisins

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon ground cloves

1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

2 cups flour, sifted before measuring

1 teaspoon baking soda

2 teaspoons baking powder

3/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 cup grated raw carrots

Preparation:

In a saucepan, combine shortening, sugar, water, raisins, salt, and spices. Bring to a boil and boil for 3 minutes; remove from heat and let cool. Sift together the flour, baking powder, and soda. Add sifted ingredients to shortening mixture. Add chopped nuts, vanilla, and grated carrots; mix well. Turn batter into a greased 9x5x3-inch loaf pan and bake at 375° for 50 to 60 minutes, or until a wooden pick or cake tester inserted in center comes out clean. 

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I also like to make carrot soup with a kick of ginger.  I start off sauteeing green onions, garlic, celery in olive oil in a stockpot. Then, take peeled carrots, ginger, add yellow bellow peppers, and add to the pot with about 2 cups of cold water. I let all the veggies boil and create a veggie stock. Lastly, once all the veggies are soft, I puree in a blender and let simmer. I add salt, pepper, nutmeg, cinnamon for flavor.  Another way is to roast everything on a shallow baking sheet with a light coating of olive oil, salt, and pepper. Once the veggies are golden and soft transfer to a soup pot with cold water and letter simmer until it is time to puree. Both ways are tasty and delicious!

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Another way I start my mornings is with a smoothie full of fruits, using this recipe below you can also add carrots in your blender. 

I will be trying this soon myself, but if any of you do let me know what combinations you all make as well. 

https://www.liveeatlearn.com/tropical-carrot-juice/

Enjoy sunny weather while it is still warm (ish)!

Cheers,

Afua