Baked Pecorino Cheese with Almond Honey

In California, most bee aficionados and honey lovers know about the importance of honeybees for agricultural crop pollination.  One of these “bee-pendent” crops that has drawn media attention of late?  Almonds.  According to an interview with Gene Brandi on NPR’s All Things Considered, between 80 and 90 percent of the nation’s total commercial bee population is required for almond pollination just in California. 

 
Almond honey is not a varietal one would find on the supermarket shelves and there are a couple reasons why this is.  First, while almond blossoms are loaded with pollen, they don’t provide much nectar, which the bees need in order to make honey.  Bees have two sources of nourishment: flower pollen (their protein) and nectar (their carbohydrate); without both of these, their diet is incomplete.  This fact brings up yet again why it is so important for beekeepers concerned about the health of their hives to rotate their bees and provide them access to diverse forage.

The second reason why almond honey is not something you’d see at the market is because of its unique taste.  Almond honey could be considered a type of what the Italians call miele amaro, or bitter honey.  On the Mediterranean island of Sardinia, Italian beekeepers harvest miele amaromade from the nectar of wild strawberry trees.  These trees produce little nectar, like the blossoms of the almond tree, and this miele amaro requires the bees to make more than twice the number of trips to produce the same amount of honey.  Sardinians traditionally serve this bitter honey with roasted cheese – pecorino cheese, as the region is famous for it.  

This recipe is inspired by this classic dish, which presents the flavor of the honey beautifully, and is a breeze to put together.

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Ingredients:

• ½ pound Pecorino cheese
• 3 tablespoons sliced almonds
• 2 tablespoons Love a Bee Almond Honey
• Fresh thyme for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  While the oven heats, toast the sliced almonds in a frying pan over medium low heat – stirring frequently - until the nuts are fragrant, about 6 minutes.
2. Cut the cheese into ¼ inch slices and arrange in an oven-safe pan or dish.  Place in the oven and bake until cheese is melted and begins to turn golden, about ten minutes.
3. Remove the cheese from the oven and sprinkle with the toasted almonds and fresh thyme.  Drizzle the honey over the cheese.  Serve immediately with flatbread crackers and fresh fruit. Serves 3-4 as an Appetizer.

Rocket Rum

Inspired by classic Hot Buttered Rum, this cool weather cocktail marries the sweetness of honey with the caramel notes of light rum, and is further accented by the warmth of fresh vanilla.  This recipe can be made dairy-free, and is sure to be a favorite among every one this winter.

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Ingredients:

• 3 oz Light Rum
• 2 cups Hot Water
• 1 Vanilla Bean, split
• Pinch Ground Nutmeg
• Pinch Salt
• 6 tablespoons Honey, such as
• Love a Bee Sweet Clover or Bottle Rocket
• 4 tablespoons Butter or Coconut Oil

Instructions:

1. Combine rum, honey simple syrup, apple cider and lime juice in a cocktail shaker. 
2. Add a dash of ground cinnamon to taste and a small scoop of ice. 
3. Shake vigorously for 30 seconds. 
4. To make a sugared rim:  mix 3 tablespoons fine white sugar and 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon on a shallow plate. 
5. Wipe the juiced lime along the rim of a glass or mason jar and swirl (rim-down) on the plate. 
6. Strain and pour using the cocktail shaker. 
7. Serve immediately. Serves 2.

Apple Honey Rumtini

If apple picking, bonfires, and cozy blankets were a drink, it would be our Apple Honey Rumtini. Use up the rest of that apple cider sitting in your fridge, by mixing up this white rum cocktail. We’re confident that it’s citrus and spicy nature will make it your go-to fall drink.

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Ingredients:

• 3oz (about 100 ml) White Rum

• 1 oz (about 2 Tablespoons) Honey Simple Syrup*

• 8 oz (1/2 cup) Cold Pressed Apple Cider

• Juice of 1 Lime

• Ground Cinnamon

• Ice

• Sugar (optional)

Instructions:

1. Combine rum, honey simple syrup, apple cider and lime juice in a cocktail shaker.

2. Add a dash of ground cinnamon to taste and a small scoop of ice. Shake vigorously for 30 seconds.

3. To make a sugared rim: mix 3 tablespoons fine white sugar and 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon on a shallow plate.

4. Wipe the juiced lime along the rim of a glass or jar and swirl (rim-down) on the plate.

5. Strain and pour using the cocktail shaker.

6. Serve immediately.

Panna e Miele Cotta

An amazingly simple Italian dessert: panna meaning cream and cotta meaning cooked, that's almost all there is to it. The minimal time spent over the stove makes it a perfect summer choice, although it requires some forethought - 12 hours of chilling time in the fridge. The richness of this lightly-sweetened cream dish pairs wonderfully with another Italian delicacy, miele cotta - cooked honey sauce. Any high quality honey makes a beautiful miele cotta, and it is a great recipe for reviving crystallized honey.

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Panna Cotta

*Panna cotta recipe inspired by Saveur's Italian Comfort Food cookbook.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups (1 pint) heavy cream

• 1 1⁄2 tsp. powdered gelatin

• 1⁄4 cup sugar

• 1⁄2 split vanilla bean

Instructions:

1. Place 3 tablespoons of the chilled heavy cream in a small bowl.

2. Sprinkle with powdered gelatin, and let stand for 10 minutes. Meanwhile, in a separate pan, combine the remaining heavy cream, sugar, and vanilla bean. Bring just to a boil, whisking frequently, over medium-high heat.

3. Vigorously stir the gelatin mixture before adding it to the saucepan. Remove from heat, and whisk for 1 minute.

4. Strain mixture through a fine sieve. Evenly divide between four 1-cup custard molds (or old jam and honey jars), cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 12 hours.

5. If you prefer to serve without molds: gently pull panna cotta away from the sides, using a paring knife or your fingers. Invert onto a small plate and shake to loosen.

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Miele Cotta

Although the panna cotta must be prepared in advance, the miele cotta is better made just before serving. Make the sauce one to two hours before so that it may cool before drizzling it over the dessert.

Ingredients: 

• 1/2 cup honey, any varietal

Instructions:

1. Place honey in a small saucepan and heat over low flame.

2. Allow the honey to come to a boil - be careful not to burn it - then reduce the heat and allow to simmer for another minute.

3. Remove from heat and allow to cool.

4. Serve spooned over panna cotta with fresh fruit or berries.

Grilled Lamb with Sweet & Sour Honey Glaze

This recipe looks more involved than it is in actuality.  Cooking lamb racks on the grill is especially easy, and the glaze requires more patience than preparation.  The acidity of the vinegars cut through the fattiness of the lamb, and a dark flavorful honey marries all the flavors together.  Serve with grilled brussels sprout and leeks.

Serves 2-3                        Total Preparation Time:  Approximately 1 hour

Ingredients:

For the glaze

• ¾ cup Red Wine Vinegar
• 2 tablespoons Balsamic Vinegar
• 1/3 cup Dark Honey, such as Love a Bee San Joaquin Flame

For the lamb

• 1 full rack of lamb, frenched (removing the meat, fat and membranes that connect the individual rib bones
  ) and halved between bones 4 and 5
• 2 tablespoons Olive Oil
• 2 tablespoons of Fresh Thyme, plus more for garnish
• 2 teaspoons Coarse Sea Salt
• ½ teaspoon Fresh Cracked Pepper
• 2 teaspoons Honey
• 3 tablespoons Pine nuts

Directions

1.  Combine honey and vinegars in a small saucepan and stir with a wire whisk.  Simmer over low heat, stirring occasionally, for 40 minutes, or until the mixture has more of a syrup-like consistency.

2. Light grill and cover.  Allow to heat to approximately 375-400 degrees Fahrenheit.

3. While the grill is heating and the sauce is reducing, prepare the lamb marinade and toast the pine nuts.  Combine and mix olive oil, thyme, salt, black pepper and honey in a large shallow bowl.  Add the lamb to the bowl – half a rack at a time – and massage the marinade into the meat.  

   To toast the pine nuts, place in a small saucepan over medium heat and stir frequently to avoid burning.  When the nuts have received a light golden brown color, remove from heat and transfer to a plate.

4. Place the lamb, meat side down, on the hottest part of the grill.  Replace grill cover and allow to cook for 5 minutes. Turn and cook covered for another 8 minutes, being careful not to burn the glaze on the fat cap.  Move lamb to the cooler area of the grill and cook covered for another 7 minutes, or until the meat at the thickest point reaches an internal temperature of 145 degrees Fahrenheit (for medium rare).  Remove from heat.

5. Allow the racks to cool for 5 minutes.  Carve between each bone and arrange on serving dishes.  Generously spoon and drizzle honey vinegar glaze over the meat, and sprinkle with toasted pine nuts and fresh thyme.  Serve immediately.

Grilled Chicken with Honey Stone Fruit

Sumac is a Mediterranean spice made from the dried berries of the plant.  It is a beautiful, reddish-purple color.  It impacts a slightly sour flavor, as well as amazing color, to the dish

This is a modified version of Melissa Clark’s Roast Chicken with Plums recipe from the New York Times. The grill eliminates the need to turn on the oven in the summer months, while still taking advantage of all the amazing stone fruit varieties available at the market right now. 

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Ingredients:

• 2 whole chicken legs, skin-on/bone-in
• 2 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 lemon
• 2 teaspoons sumac*
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 garlic clove, grated or minced
• 1 bunch thyme
• 1½ cups various stone fruit (plums, apricots, pluots, peaches), halved and quartered
• 2 tablespoons dark or amber honey, such a Love a Bee Hay Honey or San Joaquin Flame
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 pinch allspice
• 1 bay leaf, halved
• ¼ of a large red onion, sliced

Directions

1.  Turn the grill on high – when hot, the temperature inside the grill should be between 400-450 degrees.
2.  Zest the lemon into a bowl.  Set lemon aside.  Add the sumac, salt, pepper, garlic and 1 tablespoon of olive oil to create a rough paste. Thoroughly rub the chicken legs with the spice paste.  Allow to sit for 15 minutes.
3. Grease a casserole dish, Dutch oven or cast iron skillet with the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Place chicken skin side down in the dish with the thyme on top, divided between each leg.  Transfer to the grill.  Let cook with the grill covered for 25 minutes – until the skin is golden brown and crisp - before turning.  
4. Meanwhile, prepare the fruit in a medium bowl.  Combine fruit slices with the cinnamon, allspice, onion slices and both halves of the bay leaf.
5. When it is time, turn the chicken and arrange the seasoned fruit alongside it in the dish.  Replace the lid of the grill and cook another 35 minutes, or until the chicken is firm and pulling away from the bone.
6. Let cool for five minutes before serving.  Pairs well with a rice or quinoa pilaf, and a fresh cucumber salad. Serves 2-3.

Simple Syrup

Simple syrup is an essential component of the mixologist's repertoire.  Typically made with granulated sugar and water, it is used to sweeten iced drinks and cocktails alike.  This recipe is just as easy to prepare, and will add depth of flavor to any beverage.

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Ingredients:

• 3/4 cup Honey (works best with a low viscosity honey, such as Love a Bee Smokey Sage)
• 1/2 cup Hot Water

Instructions:

1. Measure honey and transfer to a mixing bowl or jar. 

2.  Add the same amount of hot water (from the tap – boiling water can destroy the beneficial properties present in raw honey).  If using a bowl, stir with a fork or a whisk until combined.  If using a jar, screw the lid on tightly and shake for twenty seconds.

Honey Oatmeal Cookies

Anytime of year, anytime of day, any kind of occasion, any kind of mood, cookies always make sense.

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Also, if you're looking to make them a tad bit sweeter, feel free to add however many semi sweet chocolate chips in as well! 

Ingredients:

• 1 cup honey (San Joaquin Flame, highly recommended) 
• 1 egg
• 3/4 cup shortening
• 1/4 cup water
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3 cups rolled oats
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
2. Beat together shortening, honey, egg, water, and vanilla until creamy. Add combined remaining ingredients; mix well.
3. Drop by rounded teaspoonfuls onto greased cookie sheet. Bake at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 12 to 15 minutes.

Honey Mustard Rosemary Glazed Carrots

This healthy, easy, and oh-so-delicious recipe was adapted from thehealthyfoodie.com . Carrots are jam-packed with beta carotene, or Vitamin A -- great for the skin, hair, nails, and eyes. Beta carotene is an antioxidant, so you'll be fighting free radicals as you enjoy this delicious meal or side dish.

Image courtesy of me! 

Ingredients:

• About 2 pounds medium sized carrots (I used multicolor)
• 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tbsp Love A Bee honey (we recommend San Joaquin Flame)
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tbsp fresh rosemary, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ tsp Himalayan or fine salt
• ½ tsp freshly cracked black pepper
• A handful of chopped fresh parsley to garnish

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 425F
2. Brush the carrots under running water. Cut them in half lenghtwise and place them in a large mixing bowl.
3. In a seperate bowl, mix olive oil, garlic, rosemary, mustard, honey, salt and pepper. Mix until very well combined and pour over reserved carrots. Mix to coat evenly and spread in a single layer in a shallow baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. Place in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, turning once or twice, until the carrots are tender and have taken a nice golden coloration.
5. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve immediately.

Honey and Pollen Granola Bars

Goodness to go.
Peanut butter, pollen and honey, what could be better?

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Ingredients:

1 medium, very ripe banana, peeled cups raw oat flakes

1 cup raw almond butter or natural peanut butter

1/4 cup raw Love a Bee honey- we recommend our Sunflower Honey

2 TBSP love a bee pollen

1 tsp vanilla extract

1 tsp ground cinnamon

Coconut oil, raw and unrefined

Instructions:

1. First, combine banana, oats, nut butter, honey, pollen, vanilla, and cinnamon in a food processor, or mix by hand in a large bowl. The second method will preserve the flakes of oatmeal in the granola bars.

2. Next, coat a large pan with coconut oil, and oil your hands well. Spread the dough evenly on the bottom of the pan. Cover with wax paper and place in the freezer for 24 hours; the dough should become firm and chewy.

3. After 24 hours, cut the bars into preferred sizes, and store the bars in a sealed container in the freezer. Enjoy!!

Recipe adapted from sparkrecipes.com

Hot Water, Lemon, and Honey: The Cure

It's that time of year again! That's right, cold season. No one likes having a bad case of the sniffles, but it's a good excuse to try this warm and soothing drink made with real honey!

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Ingredients:

1 c. water

Juice of 1/2 lemon

1 1/2 tsp Love A Bee honey

1 small pc. ginger root (optional)

dash of cayenne powder (optional)

Instructions: 

1. Boil water and add ingredients, stirring to mix. When fully combined, pour into a mug, stir in honey, and enjoy!

Acai Bowl Topped with Raw Honey

Even with winter approaching, we can't get enough of this frozen treat. Made with the super-food acai and drizzled with antioxidant-rich raw honey, this bowl is the ideal snack, and it's healthy, too!

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Ingredients:

To Blend:

1 packet of frozen acai (can be purchased in the frozen foods section of most grocery and health food stores)

1/2 c. frozen mango

1 banana

1/4 c. fresh strawberries (optional)

1-2 tsp. apple juice or almond milk

Toppings:

1/4 c. natural granola

1/2 sliced banana

1-2 tsp. Love A Bee honey

1 tsp dark chocolate chips (optional)

coconut shavings

Instructions:

1. Blend acai, banana, mango, berries, and apple juice/almond milk in smoothie blender until fully combined with a thick consistency.

2. Pour into bowl and top with granola, fruit, and chocolate as desired.

3. Drizzle some raw honey on top for sweetness! Enjoy!

Honey Pecan Butter

This rich honey-infused butter can be used as a cooking base or a buttery spread, and makes a perfect pairing for both sweet and savory treats! 

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Ingredients:

8 tsp. (1 stick) sweet/unsalted butter, room temperature

1 c. pecans, halved

1/4 c. Love a Bee honey- we recommend San Joaquin Flame for sweetness

Instructions: 

1. Combine all ingredients in food processor, and pulse several times until blended well

2. Pecans should remain as small chunks. Enjoy!

Tip: Try substituting 2 tsp. orange zest for pecans for a citrus-y spread!

Adapted from original recipe "Honey Pecan Butter" in "The New Basics Cookbook", by Julee Rosso & Sheila Lukins.