Sweeten with honey

Honey adds a special flavor to foods, and there are endless variations in aroma, color and taste. In the US, the two most popular flavors are clover and alfalfa, both of which are mild in flavor and light amber in color.

Store honey tightly covered in a dry place at room temperature. Keeping it in the refrigerator speeds up crystalization, which can be corrected by placing the container of honey in a pan of warm water over low heat until it is clear.

A honey spread for toast can be made by blending honey with softened butter and then adding crushed strawberries, grated orange rind or cinnamon.

Mix honey with mustard for a barbecue glaze for ribs or pork chops. Baste chicken with a blend of honey, mel ted butter and lemon juice.