Cut carrots lengthwise and then into half-moons about 1/4 inch thick. Put carrots in a microwave-safe container with remaining ingredients and stir to combine. Cover. (Make-ahead tip: you can refrigerate the dish for a day or two at this point, then cook just before serving.)
Microwave on high until spread melts, about 3 minutes. Toss to coat carrots evenly in flavorings, then continue cooking until tender, about 5 minutes more. Cook long enough to banish any crunch and to bring out the natural sweetness of the carrots.
Stir and serve hot or at room temperature on as festive a plate as you can muster. Keeps for five days refrigerated or up to a year frozen.