Lengthy earlier than neighbors knocked on doorways asking to borrow a cup of sugar, honey was the first sweetener and preservative of antiquity. The earliest identified depiction of beekeeping was not too long ago discovered on cave work in Spain believed to be over 7,500 years outdated. In a lot of the world, sugar cane, which seemingly originated in New Guinea, was a rarity nicely into the Center Ages, and even then, a scarce commodity reserved for the rich. Beekeeping, nevertheless, was globally widespread, making honey way more readily accessible. Honey has a specific significance in Jewish teachings, the place it’s a recurrent image of information, hope, and celebration. It’s talked about within the Torah, referring to the “manna” (honey wafers) which offered sustenance for the Israelites as they wandered the desert, and dipping apples in honey—and honey desserts usually—is customary for Rosh Hashana, symbolizing our hope for a candy new yr.
In the present day’s beekeeping resurgence and a rising desire for native, pure, eco-friendly components means bakers today are candy on honey. Honeys fluctuate vastly, deriving their perfume and taste from the flower (or flowers) from which bees collect their nectar and pollen. Some honeys are distinctive in taste and shade; some are delicately floral; others teeter on cloyingly candy, whereas nonetheless others are deeply earthy. Visually, they run the gamut from practically clear to darkish amber. Lighter-colored honeys are inclined to have a milder style whereas darker varieties have a richer taste. There are exceptions, nevertheless; honey from basswoods, linden, and sure tulips have distinctive taste profiles regardless of their golden hue. Coloration may also be an indicator of antioxidant content material; often the darker the honey, the upper it’s in antioxidants. In baking, the simplicity or complexity of a specific honey resonates, yielding a completed product reflective of its sweetener. Although many recipes have been initially created with delicately flavored clover honey in thoughts, adventurous bakers can be happy to experiment with differing kinds.
Whether or not you’re trying to sweeten up your breakfast or dessert, honey affords a wealth of choices. From hearty granola to gem-like madeleines, basic crêpes to oven baked apples or pears, honey enhances the nice and cozy spices of autumn. Simply in time for the Jewish Excessive Holidays, not-so-humdrum honey cake will get gussied up with the addition of chocolate and a splash of kosher cream soda. In accordance with the Nationwide Honey Board, the U.S. boasts greater than 300 distinctive floral sources of honey, so contemplate dipping your pinky into varieties past the traditional grocery store honey bear. Whether or not you align your self with mellow Tupelo, the deep, molasses-y taste of buckwheat, or the trace of citrus present in orange-blossom, take into consideration honey not solely as a sweetener, but additionally as a taste and perfume enhancer. Drizzle or douse your approach by our favourite honey recipes, assured to fulfill your candy tooth.
A brilliant lemon glaze enhances this flavorful cake; be happy to substitute your favourite apple for the pear. Get the recipe >
Candy medjool dates, honey, and heat spices are prevalent in Center Japanese baked items. These celebratory cookies take a fast dunk in honey syrup earlier than a end of sesame seeds for added crunch. Get the recipe >
Requiring minimal fuss, apples, honey and butter caramelize within the oven. Select a flavorful apple reminiscent of Cortland, Macoun, Empire, or Fuji. Leaving the pores and skin on tints this dessert a stunning autumn shade. Get the recipe >
This granola isn’t only for breakfast. Flavorful from honey and maple syrup, sprinkle over baked apples for a snug dessert, serve it with squares of darkish chocolate and slices of pear, or with bowls of poached Italian plums drizzled with a sturdy honey reminiscent of buckwheat. Get the recipe >
Crepes are at all times a welcome shock; on this recipe, the easy flatbreads function a canvas on your favourite honey. Get the recipe >
Not your typical honey cake, this one is all dressed as much as have fun the Jewish New 12 months. Steeped with some attention-grabbing meals historical past and a shocking ingredient, this can serve a crowd if baked in a tube pan, or could be divvied up between two loaf pans. Get the recipe >
A deeply flavored honey is good with candy Anjou pears. Get the recipe >
With a streusel topping and pie-like dough, this Rosh Hashana apple dessert is half cake, half pie. Get the recipe >
Baejungtang—additionally identified in some areas as baesuk—is a poached or steamed Korean pear dish that makes a comforting breakfast, snack, or dessert. Get the recipe >
On the Resort Ritz in Paris, the understated pâtisserie basic will get a sweet-tart, honey-scented twist. Get the recipe >
Not like typical cream cheese-based American rugelach, these are Israeli model. Yeast-risen dough cradles an expensive filling of pistachios, date syrup, honey, rosewater, and spices. Get the recipe >
