Sweeten Your Culinary Adventures: 10 Ways to Use Honey in Cooking
Honey is not just for sweetening your tea, spreading on toast or drizzling over yoghurt. Its versatility in the kitchen extends far beyond the realm of traditional desserts. From savoury dishes to drinks, honey can add depth, complexity and a touch of natural sweetness. Here are ten creative ways to incorporate Stone’s honey into your cooking.
- 1. Marinades and Glazes: Add interest to your meats and vegetables by using honey-based marinades and glazes. It’s quick and easy to create a simple marinade with honey, soy sauce, garlic and ginger to add to chicken or tofu. Brush honey glaze over carrots or sweet potatoes and roast in the oven until caramelized.
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2. Salad Dressings: Whip up your own honey-infused vinaigrettes at home in less than 2 minutes. Combine Stone’s runny Devon or Dartmoor honey with balsamic vinegar, olive oil and a dollop of Dijon mustard for a sweet and tangy dressing that pairs perfectly with mixed salad leaves.
- Photo by Nadine Primeau on Unsplash
- 3. Baking: One of our favourite ways to use honey in cooking is adding it to bakes and cakes. Honey works wonders in cakes, cookies, brownies and breads, adding moisture and natural sweetness, and giving a subtle floral flavour. Why not try Chocolate and Stone’s Honey Cake or Stone’s Honey and Lemon cupcakes from our recipe page?
- 4. Spice Blends: Create custom spice blends infused with honey to add depth of flavour to your dishes. Mix honey with chilli powder, paprika and cumin for a sweet and spicy rub for grilled meats or sprinkle honey infused with cinnamon over roasted vegetables for a new and unusual touch to your meals.
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5. Homemade Granola: Bored of your usual breakfasts? Whip up a batch of homemade granola using honey as the binding agent. Combine Stone’s runny honey, rolled oats and cinnamon with your choice of nuts, seeds and dried fruits for a delicious and healthy breakfast option.
- Photo by Super Snapper on Unsplash
- 6. Sauces and Dips: Transform ordinary sauces and dips into extraordinary creations with a touch of honey. Try adding honey to barbecue sauce or stir it into yoghurt-based dips to balance the yoghurty tang with a hint of sweetness .
- 7. Honey Butter: Elevate your morning toast or tea-time scone with a dollop of honey butter. Simply mix softened unsalted butter with honey until smooth and spreadable. For an extra burst of flavour, add a sprinkle of sea salt or a dash of cinnamon.
- 8. Stir-Fries and Glazed Vegetables: Incorporate honey into stir-fries and glazed vegetable dishes. Toss honey with stir-fried veggies and tofu or your meat of choice for a sweet and savoury meal, or drizzle honey over roasted Brussels sprouts or carrots for a caramelized finish.
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9. Cocktails and Mocktails: Shake up your cocktail game by incorporating honey into your drinks. Use honey as a natural sweetener in cocktails like margaritas, or stir honey into herbal teas and lemonades for refreshing mocktails.
- Photo by Kobby Mendez on Unsplash
- 10. Homemade Energy Bars: Skip the store-bought energy bars loaded with artificial ingredients and preservatives, and make your own at home using honey as a binding agent. Combine oats, nuts, seeds, dried fruits, and a generous drizzle of honey for an energy-dense snack.
From savoury dishes to sweet treats, honey is a versatile ingredient that adds depth and complexity to a wide range of culinary creations. Whether you're a seasoned chef or a novice in the kitchen, experiment with these ten creative ways to incorporate honey into your cooking.