Prepare your carrots: Peel the carrots and slice them into uniform pieces, about 1/2-inch thick rounds or bite-sized chunks. This ensures they cook evenly.
Cook the carrots: Place the prepared carrots in a medium saucepan. Add enough water to cover the carrots by about an inch. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the carrots are fork-tender but not mushy. Drain the carrots well.
Make the glaze: Return the drained carrots to the warm saucepan. Add the butter, honey, brown sugar, salt, and pepper. If using, add the ginger or orange zest.
Glaze the carrots: Stir gently over low heat for 2-3 minutes, until the butter is melted and the glaze coats the carrots. You want the glaze to be shiny and slightly thickened.
Serve: Transfer the glazed carrots to a serving dish and serve immediately.
Notes
For a more vibrant color and flavor, use a mix of orange, yellow, and purple carrots.
If you prefer a softer carrot, you can steam them instead of boiling.
Adjust the sweetness by adding a little more or less honey or brown sugar to your preference.
This recipe is a great base; feel free to experiment with other spices like cinnamon or nutmeg.