My mom used to make these carrots all the time. Paula Deen’s recipe and mom’s recipe were the same so instead of digging mom’s recipe out, I just find Paula Deen’s online and use that one. The only thing I do differently is use 1/2 cup sugar instead of a whole cup. I will sometimes put a sliced jalapeno pepper (or two) in mine.
I love these and could really sit and eat the entire batch at once so I have to exercise a bit of self-control when they’re in the fridge and as you know, self-control is not one of my strong points, especially when it comes to food . . and yarn!
My mom was a teacher and they often shared recipes or had luncheons and potluck type get togethers so I’m not sure where she got the recipe but I’m glad she found it. My grandma started making them after mom did so we often had copper pennies either at my grandma’s or at home.
Two quarts of copper pennies! The recipe says they’ll last up to 6 weeks in the fridge. Mine never last more than a couple of weeks. On a hot day, these make a great side dish or snack but they are not low carb. 🙁
vivoaks says
The first time I ever ate copper pennies I loved them!! If I had realized they had tomato soup in them I wouldn’t have even tried them. So glad I didn’t know!! I just stopped at Aldi and got carrots and peppers yesterday to make some! I’ll be home Sunday afternoon and plan to make a batch then!
Nelle Coursey says
I had a recipe (may still have it) that uses brown sugar and carrots! It was wonderful and it was a microwave recipe.
sandinthewindowsills says
I have a recipe that is almost the same thing and I’ve been making them for over 40 years. Mine is just called marinated carrots and uses the little baby carrots whole. Everyone is always hesitant to try them and after one bite they dig in and then ask for the recipe.
Sandi B says
I wish I could eat cooked carrots. (They don’t stay down.) And, I’m allergic to raw onions. What a bummer.
Betty Edwards says
I first made these when all the kids were teenagers. Our son could eat the whole recipe and ask for more. He still loves them at the age of 48. I haven’t made them in years, might have to make some now!
Judy Laquidara says
I managed to go to bed last night without eating any of them and this morning, when I opened the fridge to fix breakfast, I saw them and wondered . . is it wrong to eat carrots for breakfast, but again, I didn’t. You can bet I’ll have some for lunch.
dezertsuz says
No! No, it isn’t wrong. =)
MJ Fish says
Judy – I have bought the ingredients this morning to try this recipe. I wonder if you could advise please. The recipe lists a can of tomato soup, but is it condensed soup or ready-to-eat soup? I bought ready-to-eat (ie. just open the can, pour it into a saucepan, heat and eat) but will swap it for condensed if you think that’s what I should use.
Thanks.
Judy Laquidara says
Great question! I never realized there were two kinds of tomato soup but I’m guessing the recipe I used years and years ago called for condensed soup and yesterday I used ready to eat. I kept thinking . . this soup looks different and thought I had bought an off brand but it was Campbell’s.
I’m guessing either kind of soup will work but from now on, let’s get condensed. The ones I made aren’t as “orange” (the “gravy” looks a little weak) but they taste fine.
I googled a bunch of recipes and most just say “tomato soup” but a few do say condensed. You know with those vague instructions, some have used condensed and some have used ready to eat.
Thanks for bringing this up – I would never have thought about it since I didn’t realize there was a condensed and a ready to eat version of the soup.
dezertsuz says
Mama made them, too. Maybe it’s a Louisiana thing? I’ve never had them outside the south, never see them on a menu, etc.
Judy Laquidara says
I don’t think I’ve ever seen them either unless maybe at a Picadilly in Lake Charles.
Barbara says
My mom made Copper Penny carrots, and I’m from Minnesota. Due to regional differences, I rarely see food from you area that I also grew up with. I’m sure she used condensed tomato soup as that’s what was really popular at the time. I never liked them.
Judy Laquidara says
It is funny how much food is regional. I kinda thought condensed tomato soup was the only kind I ever saw back then. I wonder when ready to eat started popping up on the shelves? I don’t buy a lot of canned soup so I haven’t paid attention.
I’m wishing I didn’t like Copper Pennies. Having them in the fridge is probably more temptation than having a cold Dr. Pepper in there.