From grilling to roasting, honey can be used with just about any cooking method, and it can be used in recipes served either hot or cold. At 64 calories each tablespoon, it’s not low-calorie, but the benefits far outweigh the high sugar content. Honey is packed with vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and antioxidants, and its nutritional values vary based on the nectar source. Generally, the darker the honey, the greater the antioxidant punch. Its antibacterial, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and antifungal properties make it a must-have natural remedy for any household.
Here’s The Hernando Sun’s favorite dessert using honey:
Preparation time:
20 minutes
Cooking time: 50 minutes
Ingredients:
2 cups fresh apple cider
1/2 cup honey
4 tablespoons butter
Pinch of grated nutmeg
1 cup mixed sultanas and raisins
4 large baking apples
1 cup heavy cream, lightly whipped, optional.
Directions:
Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
Boil the cider until it is reduced by half, about 10 minutes. Set aside half a cup of the cider. Stir in the sultanas, raisins, honey, butter, and nutmeg, stirring until the butter melts.
Core the apples, leaving the bottoms intact, and arrange them in a baking dish.
Fill the apple centers with the cider mixture and pour the rest of the cider over and around the apples. Bake until the apples are tender but still hold their shape, about 40 minutes. Baste several times during baking.
Serve warm or at room temperature. with lightly whipped cream on the side, if desired.
