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Hot honey

Hot honey is one of those game-changing condiments that elevates both sweet and savory dishes. There are many killer ways to use it, from breakfast to dinner to snacks.

Ingredients

1 cup honey (use a mild-flavored honey like clover or wildflower)
1 tablespoon chili pepper (adjust to taste, red chili flakes)
3 drops lemon juice (optional, add brightness and helps balance the sweetness)

Instructions

In a small saucepan over low heat, add the honey. Warm it gently (do not boil) just until it becomes thin and pourable, about 2–3 minutes.

Stir in the red pepper flakes and let the mixture heat on low for another 2–3 minutes, stirring occasionally. Watch it closely so it doesn't bubble up or burn.

Remove from heat. For a tangy twist, stir in the lemon juice, if using.

You can strain out the chili flakes using a fine mesh sieve or leave them in for extra kick and visual flair.

Let it cool, then pour into a clean glass jar or squeeze bottle. Store at room temperature for up to 3 months.

Total time
7 minutes
Yield
1 cup
Cooking time 5 minutes
Preparation time 2 minutes
Variations

Take the base hot honey and add a twist to get flavorful variations of hot honey to match different tastes or pairings, from smoky to citrusy to ultra-spicy. 

Smoky chipotle hot honey is great with grilled meats, roasted sweet potatoes, and BBQ. Add 1/2 teaspoon chipotle powder or 1 crushed dried chipotle pepper while warming the honey. Optionally, add a drop of liquid smoke for extra depth (go easy, it's strong).

Citrus zest hot honey goes well with goat cheese, yogurt bowls, or seafood. Add 1 teaspoon fresh orange or lemon zest during the heating process.

Herby hot honey is great with roasted chicken, brie, or flatbreads. Add a sprig of fresh rosemary, thyme, or sage to the honey as it heats. Remove herbs before storing.

Extra-spicy hot honey for pizza, fried chicken, and tacos. Increase red pepper flakes to 4-5 teaspoons or add a sliced fresh chili like Thai chili or habanero during heating. Strain before storing for a smoother finish.

Garlic hot honey is great with roasted vegetables, dumplings, or fried rice. Add 1 thinly sliced garlic clove to the honey and steep over low heat. Remove garlic before storing to avoid bitterness.

Mango habanero hot honey goes well with chicken wings, grilled shrimp, or tacos al pastor. Blend 2 tablespoons mango puree with the honey and add a small piece of habanero while heating. Strain and cool.

Notes

Hot honey has many uses. It is fried chicken best friend so drizzle over crispy fried or bake chicken.

Can be amazing on pepperoni, prosciutto, or white pizza. The sweet-spicy contrast cuts through rich cheese and salty meats.

Serve with cheese boards and charcuterie. Pairs perfectly with aged cheeses (like cheddar or gouda), creamy cheeses (brie, goat), and salty meats (salami, prosciutto).

With eggs or avocado on toast, hot honey adds the right amoung of zing.

Swap out syrup with hot honey with pancakes, waffles or biscuits. Try it with buttermilk pancakes, cornbread, or flaky southern biscuits.

Drizzle on burgers, sandwiches or grilled cheese.

Toss with roasted carrots, Brussel sprouts or sweet potatoes for a sweet and spicy glaze.

Drizzle a bit on freshly popped popcorn or toasted nuts for a gourmet snack.

Try it on figs, grilled peaches, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a next-level dessert.

Stir into a whiskey sour, spicy margarita, or hot tea for a subtle kick.

Source

International cuisisne

easy, mix, heat
condiment, flavoring
International food recipes
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