The Simple Carrots Vichy Side Dish

Carrots Vichy, or glazed carrots, was an easy side dish I made in my online culinary program at Escoffier School of Culinary Arts. Moreover, it was also my very first assignment in the program. It has since become a popular dish in my family. I made it several times last year. Carrots Vichy taught me about a “fancy cut,” the oblique or roll-cut.

How to Perform the Oblique Cut:

• Place your chef knife at a 45° angle.
• Cut the carrot.
• Then, rotate the carrot a quarter-turn.
• Cut again.
• Repeat the process. 

Carrots Vichy Recipe & Equipment

Yields: 4 servings

• 1 pound organic carrots, peeled and oblique cut
• 1 ounce unsalted butter
• 1 teaspoon organic raw cane sugar
• Kosher salt, to taste
• Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
• Water

• Mixing bowls/cups/spoons for mise en place ingredients
• Cutting board
• Chef knife
• Colander
• Vegetable peeler
• Paper towels
• Saucepot
• Wooden spoon

Production Steps

1. Sanitize kitchen (sink, countertops, stovetop/oven, cupboard handles, smart devices, computer).
2. Wash, peel, and cut carrots.
3. Mise en place ingredients.
4. Place carrots in a saucepot.
5. Add water to barely cover the carrots.
6. Add butter, salt, sugar, and salt.
7. Bring the water to a boil and reduce it to a simmer until the carrots are tender. The water will be nearly evaporated and a glaze will form from the butter, salt, and sugar.
8. Coat the carrots with the glaze.
9. Season with pepper.
10. Serve immediately.

Mental Health Awareness

May is Mental Health Awareness Month. The subject of mental health has been all around us, especially in the last two years. While some individuals may have experienced positive outcomes from this pandemic, many have not. It was a tough time for a lot of people. But the good news is that we’re resilient and will come back stronger than before.

I can honestly share that my mental health has been affected during the pandemic in ways I never thought possible. There was so much unknown and uncertainty when COVID first arose. It caused a lot of anxiety and depression. Then the situation became politicized, which triggered conflicts on mask-wearing and vaccination requirements. That heightened my apprehension and despair even more. As a result, this caused a frustrating division across our nation. It was such a stressful time. It still is. With all that’s happening in the world with the war in Ukraine and the rise in prices everywhere we turn. These events have happened one after another as if we couldn’t catch a break. It’s been exhausting.

Consequently, it’s essential to take care of our mental health and recognize when negative feelings affect our lives and relationships with others. It’s okay to acknowledge that we’re not okay and need support to get us through the turmoil. IT’S OKAY. We’re human. We’re allowed to feel all sorts of emotions. It’s okay to ask for help. Don’t ever be ashamed!

Thus, after everything that’s happened, I began researching holistic ways to conquer pessimistic and melancholy feelings, especially during stressful events. I started incorporating new habits into my daily routine, such as meditating, breathing, and tapping. I also sought professional counseling. These treatment modalities have been such a blessing.

Mental Health Resources

There are many mental health resources online. There are a few I’d like to share:

1. Mental Health America
2. MentalHealth.gov
3. National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)

Carrots and Mental Health

Did you know consuming carrots can contribute positive benefits to our mental health? An increased intake of fruits and veggies, especially carrots, influences an individual to be more interested, innovative, and active (Andrews, 2015; Esther, 2021). Furthermore, people who ate more fruits and vegetables experienced joy and fulfillment (Andrews, 2015).

This is a constant reminder that we are what we eat. What we put in our bodies affects our brain and mental health positively and negatively. The healthier foods one consumes, favorable outcomes are evident in people’s actions and behaviors. So, let’s make more of an effort to eat healthier and include more fruits and veggies in our diet.

In good health,

FS x

P.S. Happy Mother’s Day to all the moms, grandmas, aunties, and mother figures! Know that you are loved, appreciated, and treasured. We honor and thank you for being a superwoman!

References

Andrews, L.W. (2015). Does eating carrots make you more creative? Blog. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/minding-the-body/201505/does-eating-your-carrots-make-you-more-creative

Esther (No last name given). 2021. Carrots and your mental health. Blog. https://jessymmablog.wordpress.com/2021/09/13/carrots-and-your-mental-health/