The average worker bee only makes 1/12th of a teaspoon of honey in their lifetime. In their lifetime! This gives me pause as I dip a little more gently into the honey pot.
The nutrient-rich nectar that bees collect from flowers is precious. It is a gift (pure and unadulterated liquid gold) that has so many culinary uses.
While science scrambles to keep up with the traditional knowledge of the benefits of honey, we most often value it as a pure, natural sweetener. And it can be sourced locally, something that cannot often be said of other sweeteners.
Here are a few simple ways to incorporate a daily dose of honey:
Honey tea. Whether it is a daily ritual or a cold remedy, it is often touted as nature’s best medicine for cough suppression. Stir honey into hot water; add a squeeze of lemon, a piece of ginger, or a few mint leaves for flavour. For colds, use some sage leaves like this recipe.
Honey butter. Unsalted butter swirled with liquid honey creates a lovely spread for toast, muffins, scones or other baked goods. Use this lightly sweetened spread on steamed carrots or on roasted squash too.
Honey whipped cream. Lightly whipping heavy cream with honey instead of sugar adds a naturally sweetened touch to top fresh berries for a simple summer dessert. Or use it on a freshly baked microwave honey mug cake, waffles or other desserts.
Honey vinaigrette. Olive oil, lemon juice, and that special touch of honey can be transformed into one of the best homemade salad dressings for topping your salad greens, grated carrots or beets.
Enjoy these sweet recipes and remember to support your local beekeepers that continue to supply us with this natural, local wonder. For more honey recipes and info on honey’s natural benefits, check out honey.com.
