Honey Recipes for the Holiday Beekeeper

This is a lovely time of year; life takes on a slower pace as outside work slows. With Thanksgiving just behind us and Christmas around the corner you may wonder what I’m talking about, but in all reality, the work-load does seem lighter when there is no grass to cut, no vegetable gardens to tend to, no honey-harvesting, etc.etc. Do keep an eye on your bees; make sure they have plenty of food as they burn lots of calories to try and keep warm on these cold winter days.

I promised last month I would share some of my favorite recipes that call for honey, and so here they are, in time for you to test them before the holidays. When you have your family over for Christmas dinner you will know which recipes you want to make and serve!

Rich Dinner Rolls

1 cup milk
1/2 cup warm water
1/4 cup honey
2 pkgs. yeast
1 tsp. salt
2 eggs, beaten
1/4 cup oil
5&1/4 cup bread flour (approximately)

Scald milk; stir in honey, salt, and oil. Cool to lukewarm temp. Add warm water and beaten eggs to milk mixture, stir to mix. Add 2 cups flour and yeast and beat until smooth, about 5 minutes. Stir in remainder of flour and knead until soft and smooth.( If dough is too sticky add more flour.) Place in greased bowl and let rise 1 hour. Punch down and shape into small rolls, placing into pans. Allow to rise again for 40-45 minutes. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Bake 25-30 minutes or until nicely browned. These are so moist and delicious!

Cranberry Apple Cider

4 cups water
4 cups apple cider or apple juice
1 can (12-oz.) frozen apple juice concentrate, thawed
1 medium apple, peeled
1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
1 medium orange, peeled and sectioned
1/4 cup honey
1 cinnamon stick

In a crock pot combine all ingredients, mix well. Cover and cook on low for 2 & 1/2 hours or until cider reaches desired temp and all fruit is well-cooked. Discard cinnamon stick. Strain out the fruit. This hot drink can’t be beat for flavor…sit back and enjoy on a cold winter night!

Pumpkin Bran Muffins

2 eggs
1/2 cup oil
1/2 cup pumpkin (applesauce may be substituted)
1/2 cup water
1/2 tsp. salt
2/3 cup honey
1&1/4 cup flour
1&1/2 cup wheat or oat bran
2 tsp. cinnamon
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. baking powder
1/2 cup raisins

In medium bowl combine first 6 ingredients, beat till well-mixed. Add all dry ingredients and beat on low till well-mixed. Stir in raisins. Fill muffin cups 3/4 cups full. Bake at 350 degrees for 18-20 minutes.

Oatmeal Raisin Cookies

1 cup butter, softened                 1&3/4 cup flour
3/4 cup brown sugar      1 tsp. baking soda
1/2 cup honey                  2&1/2 cups oats
2 eggs                              2 cups raisins
2 tablespoon milk           1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
2 teaspoon vanilla           1/2 cup nuts (optional)
1/2 teaspoon salt

Mix butter, sugar, and honey. Add eggs, vanilla, and milk; mix well. Add soda, salt, and flour till well-mixed. Add oats and raisins. Drop by teaspoon on cookie sheet. Bake at 375 degrees for 8-10 minutes. These cookies are delicious with a glass of cold milk!

These are some of our favorite recipes that call for honey, and I hope you will enjoy them as well.