A Year-Round Guide to Franklin and Nantahala

Yield: 8 servings. 1 pound raw baby carrots (or 4 cups), cut lengthwise 1 small Vidalia onion, sliced very thin 1 (6-ounce) can tomato paste ½ cup light brown sugar

Rosemary and Goat Cheese Strata

Yield: 8 servings. 1 pound raw baby carrots (or 4 cups), cut lengthwise 1 small Vidalia onion, sliced very thin 1 (6-ounce) can tomato paste ½ cup light brown sugar

Sweet and Sour Carrots

Sweet and Sour Carrots

Yield: 8 servings.

1 pound raw baby carrots (or 4 cups), cut lengthwise
1 small Vidalia onion, sliced very thin
1 (6-ounce) can tomato paste
½ cup light brown sugar
¼ cup canola oil
½ cup apple cider vinegar
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 tablespoon Worcestershire, or to taste
1 teaspoon dry mustard
1 teaspoon salt
Zest from one lemon (plus more for garnish)

Wash carrots and place in a saucepan. Add 1 cup of water and cook on medium heat until carrots are crisp-tender. Drain and place in a glass mixing bowl. Add the sliced onions and toss.

In a medium saucepan, whisk together the tomato paste with all of the remaining ingredients. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer for about 5 minutes. Pour hot marinade over the carrot mixture, cover, and refrigerate for 24 hours, stirring occasionally.

Use a slotted spoon to transfer to a serving dish and serve as a cold side salad. Garnish with additional lemon zest if desired.

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This story was published on Oct 23, 2017

Lynn Wells

Lynn Wells gained a fond respect and interest in cooking from her mother and Aunt Addie at the age of 8 in North Carolina. During college, Wells worked in a wide range of restaurants, from fine dining to family- owned. After graduating from UNC Greensboro with a degree in nutrition management and hospitality, Wells began a 21-year career in the nutrition department at Cone Health. In 2014, Wells started Thyme Well Spent Personal Chef Service, an in-home cooking experience for private clients, which continues today. Wells is also a food writer, food stylist, culinary consultant, and the recipe developer/writer for Our State.