Recipe: Flavored Honeys (mint, allspice, ginger, hot, and citrus)

FLAVORED HONEYS

MINT HONEY:
1 lb clover or alfalfa honey
1/4 cup chopped fresh mint leaves

Pour honey into small saucepan. Add mint leaves and stir to combine. Warm mixture over low heat for 10 minutes. Let stand for at least 2 hours (better if longer) Strain and pour into 2 clean (eight ounce) jars.

ALLSPICE HONEY:
1 lb clover or alfalfa honey
1 tbsp whole allspice

Pour honey into small saucepan and add 1 Tbsp whole allspice. Warm mixture on low heat for 10 minutes. Let stand at least 2 hours. THEN warm mixture again for a second 10 minutes. Let stand overnight before straining and pouring into clean jars.

GINGER HONEY:
1 lb clover or alfalfa honey
1 tablespoon julienne fresh ginger root

Pour honey into small saucepan. Add ginger and stir to combine. Warm mixture over low heat for 10 minutes. Let stand for at least 2 hours. Strain and pour into 2 clean (eight ounce) jars.

HOT HONEY:
1 lb clover or alfalfa honey
1 1/2 tsp dried hot crushed red pepper

Pour honey into small saucepan and add red pepper flakes. Stir to combine and heat on low heat for 10 minutes. Let stand for 1 to 2 hours and then strain into clean jars.

CITRUS HONEY:
1 lb clover or alfalfa honey
1 tbsp freshly grated orange, lemon, or grapefruit rind

Pour honey into small saucepan and add grated rind. Stir to combine and heat over low heat for 10 minutes. Let stand for at least 2 hours. Strain into clean eight ounce jars.

HONEY HINTS:
Honeys should not be refrigerated. If it should crystallize, it can be reliquified easily by placing the jar in warm water or microcook 1 cup honey on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring every 30 seconds. Be sure not to boil or scorch.

Adapted from source: National Honey Board