The queen bee of sweeteners, honey is so much more than a delicious accompaniment to afternoon tea or a drizzle on your muffins in the morning.
Over 300 kinds of honey are available throughout the world today, each providing a unique flavor influenced by the flower the honey is derived from. Health and beauty aids, co*cktails, and hundreds of sweet and savoury recipes are just a few of the countless uses honey has. Read on to find some surprising uses for this “liquid gold.”
How to Use honey
Discover how honey can enhance everything from sauces to seeds to suckers. Here are some honey recipes that you can try today.
1. USE HONEY INSTEAD OF SUGAR
Honey can produce a natural sweetness in baked goods, and based on the type of honey you choose, it can also provide various flavors to your food. For example, Orange Blossom honey can add a citrus note to foods, while Buckwheat honey provides a molasses flavor.
PRO TIP
If you're using honey instead of sugar, be sure to adjust the sweetness accordingly. As a rule of thumb, swap 1 cup of sugar with 120m to 150ml of honey, depending on the sweetness of the honey you’re using. Due to honey's high water content compared to sugar, you may need to reduce the other liquids in your recipe. Start by subtracting ¼ of liquids for every cup of honey you use.
2. MAKE HONEY MARINADES
Marinades benefit greatly from honey, as it not only supplies flavor, but also moisture. The acidic ingredients in marinades must be counterbalanced by moisture in order to tenderize the food.
3. add seeds to honey
Seeds are delicious, and they're also incredibly versatile: they can be added to honey and yogurt. In a classic peanut butter sandwich or a delicious goat cheese crostini, it can add a sweet crunch. Adding seeds to honey is easy. Simply toast your favourite seeds - sunflowers, poppy seeds, sesame, flax - add some luscious honey, season and drizzle.
4.SWEETEN LOLLIPOPS AND LOZENGES WITH HONEY
Honey lozenges and lollipops are sweet treats that can soothe throats naturally.
5. CREAM YOUR HONEY
Creamed honey – also known as whipped, spun or churned honey – is easy to prepare and makes a rich, creamy spread for toast, pancakes, muffins, and more. All it requires is a 1:1 mixture of liquid honey and crystallized honey creamed in a blender or stand mixer until the crystals disappear.
6. ADD HONEY TO YOUR CHARCUTERIES
In addition to baked goods, honey is also a good companion for sharp cheeses. Your charcuterie board will be balanced out with the sweetness of honey.
PRO TIP
Honey is divided into raw and processed types. Because raw honey isn't heated during processing, it maintains its vitamins, minerals, and nutrients. Lighter honey typically tastes milder than a darker one.
7. WHIP UP HONEY BUTTER
The combination of honey, salted butter, and powdered sugar will produce a glossy, sweet confection that tastes great on warm rolls or biscuits.
8. REMEMBER THE HONEYCOMB
In addition to honey in jars, honeycombs are also delicious. For a sweet surprise, put a piece on your peanut butter sandwich or in your hot chocolate. As with its liquid counterpart, honeycomb is a tasty addition to a cheeseboard.
9. MIX WITH YOUR NUT BUTTER
Add the natural sweetness of honey to your nut butter to enhance flavour and goodness. Experiment by combining different nuts and honey in your blender to find your favourite combination.
10. AMP UP YOUR SMOOTHIE
Add a tablespoon of honey to your smoothie to add depth and flavour to it.
11. MAKE MARSHMALLOWS WITH HONEY
Despite their delicious flavour, marshmallows usually include an array of unnatural ingredients. There is no difficulty in recreating an alternative version of these delicious confections with honey, gelatin, and a little vanilla.
12. INFUSE HONEY WITH AROMATICS
Infused honey adds flavour to a diverse range of foods. Sprinkle it on baked goods, sweeten tea or use it as a marinade. Using up herbs you have on hand - that extra sprig of thyme or handful of mint - is a terrific way to use them up.
13. HONEY-BASED ICE CREAM
If you're looking for the ultimate indulgence, try decadent Lavender and Honey Ice Cream. It's a wonderful combination of honey goodness and a delicate floral note.
Spirits
You've tasted the goodness of honey. Now, experience the sweetness through co*cktails and mocktails.
14. ADD HONEY TO co*ckTAILS/MOCKTAILS
Depending on the type of honey you use, honey can enhance the colour and flavour of your mixed drinks. Consider substituting honey for sugar in your simple syrup for a flavorful, amber base for your drinks.The Sage Honey Pineapple Blended co*cktail is an island-inspired recipe to cool you down on a warm summer evening.
15. MAKE MEAD WITH HONEY
Consider trying your hand at making mead. Honey ferments when it comes into contact with heat and moisture, creating honey wine. Like wine, mead can be sweet or dry depending on the amount of honey used.
16. SWEETEN KOMBUCHA WITH HONEY
Honey can be added to this popular fermented drink to add to its sweetness.
Spa
Don't pass up the "beauty of honey." Because it is naturally humectant, honey can be wonderful for your skin and hair.
17. SHAMPOO WITH HONEY
A simple DIY honey shampoo can be effective in making hair more shiny and clean. Some even claim that it reduces frizz. Make a “single serving” of shampoo with 1 tablespoon of raw honey and 3 tablespoons of filtered water to try it out. You can also add a few drops of honey to your normal shampoo to boost its moisturizing effect.
18. TAKE A BATH WITH MILK AND HONEY
Honey provides a soothing, softening sensation. Instead of bath salts or bubbles, use a luxurious milk and honey soak. Just add 1-2 cups of milk and a ½ cup of honey to your bath water and enjoy.
19. TREAT YOURSELF TO A HONEY FACE MASK
To give your face a simple, natural, moisturizing facial, spread a teaspoon of raw honey on your face for 20 minutes and rinse with warm water.
20. USE HONEY AS A FACE WASH
Get a fresh start in the morning by applying honey to your face. Massage a spoonful of honey into the skin with water, rinse off and get glowing skin.
21. SOOTHE CRACKED LIPS WITH HONEY
Don't spend money on expensive lip balms. Instead, use honey to soothe chapped lips.
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