l loved cooking with my grandmother. Being in the kitchen with her made me feel safe, loved, and valued. As she aged and had to be moved into subsidized housing for seniors, we began a new tradition. Each holiday she would come to my home 2-3 days in advance. We would plan out the menu, talking about each family member’s favorite dish, and in the midst she would share stories of days gone by. One of my favorite dishes each holiday was candied carrots.
The aroma of melting butter and brown sugar is always quick to remind me of the holidays. Always one to want to experiment a little, add a new twist, which grandma welcomed and encouraged, I began adding a few new ingredients. I love a little salt with a little sweet. Add some “heat” and it is all the better! Thus was born the Honey Glazed Hot Pepper Jelly Carrot recipe.
And I am proud to say, it was grandma approved. Not only approved, but she agreed it was our new go to recipe. I still think of her each holiday as I begin to prepare for my family. And not a holiday goes by without a batch of these carrots. Love is shared around the family table. Memories come alive with the scents and tastes of family recipes. I hope you enjoy this recipe and consider adding it to your family favorites this next holiday season. READ MORE
Shana Chaplin
I am a wife, mother to twin daughters, sister, daughter and aunt to nine. I love faith, home and family. I grew up missionary kid living in Japan and Morocco. I now live in the South. My home is my haven and I seek for it to be the same for all who enter. I have returned to full time work after 17 years as a stay at home mom. I now serve as the Deputy Chief of Community Engagement & Faith-based Partnerships. As I wait for God to unfold His plans in His time I seek to be faithful and to live life fully, keeping home my priority and sharing it with those I hold near and dear.