Drizzle, Glaze, and Bake: Unique Recipes Featuring Honey

The Ultimate Guide to Cooking with Honey

Honey, often referred to as “liquid gold,” has been cherished for thousands of years for its natural sweetness and numerous health benefits. Whether you drizzle it over your morning toast, stir it into your tea, or use it as a natural remedy, honey’s versatility in the kitchen is unmatched. But did you know that honey can be the star ingredient in a variety of recipes, from savory dishes to delightful desserts? Here are a few recipes that will inspire you to add a touch of sweetness to your meals.

Infuse honey into your meals

Honey comes in many varieties, each with its own unique flavour and origin. Each type of honey brings its own distinct taste and health benefits, making it a versatile natural sweetener. Whether you’re looking for something robust, floral, or simply sweet, there’s a honey variety to suit every taste.

Shop our Avo Blossom honey packaged by BuzzyBees honey at The Food Court  and our Fynbos honey set harvested in the Cape by MYFYNBOS

The Versatility of Honey in Cooking

Lets appreciate why honey is such a unique and versatile ingredient:

• Natural Sweetener: Honey is a natural alternative to refined sugar, offering sweetness with additional nutrients like antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals.
• Flavour Enhancer: Honey’s rich, complex flavour profile can enhance both sweet and savoury dishes, adding depth and a subtle floral note.
• Texture and Moisture: Honey’s viscosity makes it perfect for adding moisture to baked goods, ensuring a tender crumb and helping to extend shelf life.
• Glaze and Caramelisation: When heated, honey caramelizes beautifully, making it an ideal choice for glazes and marinades that bring out a dish’s natural flavours.

Breakfast Recipes with Honey

Starting your day with honey-infused recipes is a great way to enjoy its benefits right from the morning. Here are some delicious ideas:

Honey-Drizzled Greek Yogurt with Fresh Fruit and Nuts

• • • Ingredients: Greek yogurt, mixed fresh berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries), chopped nuts (almonds, walnuts), a drizzle of honey.
    • Instructions: Spoon Greek yogurt into a bowl, top with fresh berries and nuts, and drizzle with honey. This simple yet satisfying breakfast is rich in protein, healthy fats, and antioxidants.

Honey and Cinnamon Oatmeal

• • • Ingredients: Rolled oats, milk or water, a pinch of cinnamon, a tablespoon of honey, sliced bananas, and a handful of nuts.
    • Instructions: Cook the oats in milk or water according to package instructions. Stir in the cinnamon and honey. Top with sliced bananas and nuts for a warm, comforting breakfast.

Savoury Dishes with a Sweet Twist

isn’t just for desserts; it can add a wonderful contrast to savoury dishes as well. Here are a few savoury recipes that incorporate honey:

Honey-Glazed Roast Chicken                                                      

• • • Ingredients: Whole chicken, garlic, fresh thyme, olive oil, honey, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
    • Instructions: Preheat your oven and prepare the chicken by rubbing it with olive oil, garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix honey with lemon juice and brush it over the chicken. Roast until golden and juicy, basting with more honey glaze halfway through cooking. Serve with roasted vegetables.

Honey and Soy Glazed Salmon                                                                                                                  

• • • Ingredients: Salmon fillets, soy sauce, honey, garlic, ginger, sesame seeds, and green onions.
    • Instructions: Marinate the salmon in a mixture of soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, and grated ginger for at least 30 minutes. Grill or bake the salmon, then sprinkle with sesame seeds and chopped green onions before serving.

Baking and Desserts Featuring Honey

Honey’s natural sweetness makes it a fantastic ingredient for baking and desserts. Here are a few sweet treats to try:

Honey Cake                                                                                                                                                              

• • • Ingredients: All-purpose flour, baking soda, cinnamon, eggs, sugar, honey, vegetable oil, hot coffee, and vanilla extract.
    • Instructions: Preheat your oven and grease a baking pan. In a large bowl, mix the dry ingredients. In another bowl, beat the eggs, then add sugar, honey, oil, coffee, and vanilla. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until smooth. Pour the batter into the pan and bake until a toothpick comes out clean. Let the cake cool before serving.3

Honey and Almond Biscotti                                                            

• • • Ingredients: All-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, eggs, sugar, honey, vanilla extract, and chopped almonds.
    • Instructions: Preheat your oven and prepare a baking sheet. In a bowl, combine the dry ingredients. In another bowl, whisk the eggs, sugar, honey, and vanilla. Stir the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, then fold in the almonds. Shape the dough into logs, bake until firm, slice, and bake again until crisp.

Beverages Enhanced with Honey

Honey can elevate your beverages, too, whether hot, cold, or somewhere in between:

Honey-Lemon Tea                                                                           

• • • Ingredients: Hot water, a tablespoon of honey, fresh lemon juice, and a slice of lemon for garnish.
    • Instructions: Brew a cup of hot water. Stir in honey until dissolved, then add lemon juice. Garnish with a lemon slice. This soothing drink is perfect for calming the throat and warming up on a cold day.

Honey and Ginger Lemonade   

• • • Ingredients: Fresh ginger, honey, fresh lemon juice, water, and ice.
    • Instructions: Make a ginger syrup by simmering sliced ginger in water with honey. Let it cool, then mix with fresh lemon juice and cold water. Serve over ice for a refreshing and zesty summer drink.

The Health Benefits of Cooking with Honey

Beyond its culinary versatility, honey offers a range of health benefits, making it a smart choice for cooking:

• • • Natural Energy Booster: Honey is a natural source of carbohydrates, providing energy and stamina, which is especially beneficial for athletes.
    • Rich in Antioxidants: Honey contains a variety of antioxidants that help protect your body from oxidative stress and support overall health.
    • Soothes Coughs and Sore Throats: Honey is a well-known natural remedy for soothing coughs and sore throats, making it a go-to ingredient for homemade remedies.
    • Promotes Digestive Health: Certain types of honey, like Manuka honey, have antibacterial properties that can support digestive health and help with issues like acid reflux.

Make Honey the theme of the week!

Ready to start cooking with honey? Visit Featsy to find the perfect honey for your kitchen. Whether you’re looking for a floral, mild, or robust flavour, we have something for every recipe. Shop now and sweeten your life with the goodness of honey!

Honey is far more than just a sweetener—it’s a versatile, flavourful, and healthful ingredient that can enhance a wide variety of dishes. Whether you’re starting your day with honey-drizzled yogurt, enjoying a honey-glazed dinner, or indulging in a honey-infused dessert, there are countless ways to incorporate this golden nectar into your meals.

Enjoy nature’s goodness!