Bee Sweet: Cooking with Raw Honey
June 28, 2024
Why Cook with Honey?
Honey is more than just a sweetener; it's a natural product packed with antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. It has a unique flavor profile that can range from mild and floral to bold and earthy, depending on the type of flowers the bees visited. Honey also has humectant properties, meaning it attracts and retains moisture, making your baked goods softer and more flavorful.Substituting Honey for Sugar
When substituting honey for sugar in recipes, it's essential to consider its liquid state and sweetness level. Here are some tips to help you make the switch:1. Use Less Honey
Honey is sweeter than sugar, so you need less of it. Use about ¾ cup of honey for every cup of sugar.2. Reduce Other Liquids
Since honey adds moisture, reduce the other liquids in your recipe by about ¼ cup for each cup of honey used.3. Adjust Baking Temperature
Honey can cause baked goods to brown faster. Lower the oven temperature by 25°F to prevent over-browning.4. Add Baking Soda
Honey is slightly acidic, so add ¼ teaspoon of baking soda for every cup of honey to help your baked goods rise properly.4 Recipes with Honey
1. Honey Lavender Cupcakes
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup Black Locust honey or for more lavender flavor, Lavender Honey
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon dried lavender flowers, crushed
- ½ cup whole milk
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.
2. In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. In another bowl, beat the butter and honey until creamy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract and lavender.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the milk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients.
5. Fill the cupcake liners about two-thirds full and bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
6. Let the cupcakes cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Frost with your favorite buttercream and enjoy!
2. Honey-Glazed Carrots
Ingredients
- 1 pound carrots, peeled and cut into sticks
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons Bamboo Honey
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F.
2. Toss the carrot sticks with olive oil, honey, cumin, salt, and pepper in a large bowl.
3. Spread the carrots on a baking sheet in a single layer.
4. Roast for 25-30 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the carrots are tender and caramelized.
5. Transfer to a serving dish, sprinkle with fresh parsley, and serve warm.
3. Honey Mustard Chicken
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 3 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 3 tablespoons Tupelo Honey
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Fresh or dried thyme, for garnish
- Fleur De Sel, for garnish
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F.
2. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper and place them in a baking dish.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together the Dijon mustard, honey, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, and minced garlic.
4. Pour the honey mustard mixture over the chicken breasts, ensuring they are well coated.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the juices run clear.
6. Garnish with fresh thyme and serve with your favorite sides.
4. Honey Soy Glazed Salmon
Ingredients
- 4 salmon fillets
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- ¼ cup Sourwood Honey
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 2 green onions, sliced, for garnish
- Sesame seeds, for garnish
- Fleur De Sel, for garnish
Instructions
1. In a bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, garlic, and ginger.
2. Place the salmon fillets in a shallow dish and pour the marinade over them. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes.
3. Preheat your grill or broiler.
4. Grill or broil the salmon fillets for about 4-5 minutes per side, basting with the remaining marinade until the salmon is cooked through and has a nice glaze.
5. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds before serving.