A Hankering for Honey

Right around mid September in these parts the heat of the summer winds down, and for those who keep bees, it’s the perfect time to gather that golden elixir they’ve been nurturing for months. So the beekeepers haul out their equipment and prepare for a sticky weekend of cutting open portions of their hives — not too much, mindContinue reading “A Hankering for Honey”

Honey-Curry Chicken Breasts

Honey is a wonderful addition to sauces and glazes especially for pork and chicken. This sweet and spicy marinade will light up your taste buds — and make your house smell divine. Serve with a scoop of wild rice. Recipe adapted from Taste of Honey by Marie Simmons. Serves 4 Ingredients  3⁄4 cup honey (tryContinue reading “Honey-Curry Chicken Breasts”

Corn Fritters with Honey-Bacon Drizzle

This summer, I became immersed in the world of honey. It began with my reporting on a magazine story about backyard beekeepers, which then led to lessons in how honey is made and why it’s been a treasured food for millennia. Did you know there are more than 300 documented varieties of honey in theContinue reading “Corn Fritters with Honey-Bacon Drizzle”

Asian Peanut Sauce

When I first began making this sauce, there was no way my toddlers were going to embrace it or the veggies I usually serve it with. But as they’ve grown bigger and less picky, this has become a go-to in our house. The peanut butter is a familiar flavor and the red pepper flakes canContinue reading “Asian Peanut Sauce”

Touch of Honey Granola

As good as oats and nuts and cinnamon and coconut are, the not-so-secret ingredient that makes this granola the one you’ll keep coming back to is the honey. The golden elixir that’s been wooing eaters for millennia plays a starring role in this dish, expertly blending so many flavors, subtly sweetening this long list of ingredients withoutContinue reading “Touch of Honey Granola”

Honey Mustard Vinaigrette

I love a good honey mustard dressing. This one is a little less sweet and a little less creamy than those you might find in a restaurant. But the oil and vinegar make it pair especially well with fresh veggies. Feel free to stir in some from-the-garden herbs (oregano? basil?) dried or fresh to add yet anotherContinue reading “Honey Mustard Vinaigrette”

Poppy Seed Dressing

  This dressing is my absolute favorite for spring and fall when my salads consist mainly of leafy greens, herbs, tender peas and often even berries. The sweet complements the delicate flavors of the fruits and veggies and the vinegar provides just enough kick to keep things interesting. This is also a nice coleslaw dressing and would beContinue reading “Poppy Seed Dressing”

Fruit Smoothies

I LOVE smoothies. My kids LOVE smoothies. I mean, really, who doesn’t love smoothies? I once kept a whole cookbook devoted to smoothies on my shelf. But I quickly realized that the beauty of a smoothie is that you don’t need a recipe. Just a few guidelines, maybe, and a willingness to taste and adjust asContinue reading “Fruit Smoothies”

Bulgur Citrus Salad

  No, we’re not quite in the salad days yet. But my body is craving fresh and the spring sun is shining its welcome warmth, so plenty of salads are on the menu. I am fond of bulgur, a grain made from the wheat kernel that has been parboiled, dried and cracked. Its starring roleContinue reading “Bulgur Citrus Salad”