Nibble on Carrot Cookies

• Because of their earthy flavor, carrots pair well with almonds or walnuts to make one satisfying cookie. Simply grate some carrots, add some cinnamon and pick your favorite nuts to throw in with the rest of the batter ingredients. Of course, brown sugar doesn’t hurt any cookie recipe, but temper the sugar in favor of sweeteners like applesauce to keep your cookies delicious and healthy at the same time. Or if you’re feeling sinful, throw in some chocolate chips.

Dig Into Carrot Rice Pudding

• Carrot rice pudding is one way to get fussy kids to eat their vegetables. Essentially, you prepare rice pudding and add shredded carrots. Prepare rice in boiled milk, add the carrots and mix in sugar or cinnamon as you see fit. If you’re feeling adventurous, add some cardamom pods to the pot. Cardamom is a plant related to the ginger family that’s often used in Indian sweet dishes, and it can add a pleasant twist to the dish.

Over-the-Top Waffles

• Waffles and an assortment of toppings get family members or friends involved in the dessert-making process. Carrot cake waffles infuse some excitement and surprise into the traditional version. Add shredded carrots, vanilla and cinnamon to your batter. For toppings, set out honey, coconut butter, whip cream or walnuts. If you’re not concerned about keeping the dish healthy -- this is dessert, after all -- whip up a cream cheese frosting for the finishing touch.

Candied Carrot Curls

• Accent a homemade or store-bought dessert with candied carrot curls. Bake some carrot shavings until they are dry, curl them around a wooden spoon, add a little sugar and bake them again. The result -- bright orange, crystallized carrot spirals, ready to garnish a spiced cake or pudding. The understated accent will take your desserts to the next level, making you look like a professional pastry chef.