Hot honey is honey that has been infused with either dried or fresh chili peppers. The happy result is a 'kicked up' sweet honey with an 'edge'. You can change the level of heat depending and what pepper you use. For years, I have warmed local raw honey gently in a small saucepan and infused all sorts of 'hot friends'. I've made this for 25 years at least but I think we talked about Spicy Honey here at SB first in 2016 when "Capsicum family" (otherwise known as "cayennne family") was the 'Herb of the Year'. Also, don't forgeet to check out my cold kicker honey!
It's so simple to make and takes no time at all. I will write it out in a 'recipe format' to make those of you, who really like that.. happy! This is a template.. You can double or triple it and it really does NOT need to be exact. Definitely my kinda recipe!
You will need:
1 cup honey (local, raw preferred)
3-4 cayenne chilis, roughly chopped (or substitute your choice*)
Put the honey and your choice of chili into a small pot.
Bring the heat up slowly to a simmer. Be very careful not to let the honey get too hot.
Allow to infuse for a least 10 minutes.. I normally shut off the heat, but add a lid and allow the
warm honey to 'marry' with the chilis for at least an hour.
When the mixture has cooled, pour into glass jars.
Note:
You can strain out the chilis with a fine sieve or just leave them in the mixture. This is a personal choice.I normally leave them in, as for me.. they are an extra treat, for later! If packaging for gift-giving, that choice will be up to you. Just add instructions for the chilis to be covered by the honey at all times.
Hot honey should be stored in a cool cupboard. Some folks thing it should be refrigerated but honestly, I make so much infused honey (i.e. garlic, horseradish, ginger, etc as well as this picante variety) that I just keep the herbs submerged and in a cool dry cupboard, and they last a very long time.
How HOT do you want your SPICY HONEY to BE?
So.. the heat of your special infused honey will depend upon the choices you make re which chili to use.
We can make a quick 'HOT HONEY' by using 'chili flakes'.
Here's a list of ideas based on my idea of heat moving up the scale (don't quote me.. ) These peppers are the once I have used personally. LOVE to hear about your own experiences! Leave a comment below!
Chili flakes
Guajillo peppers (smoky more than hot)
Jalapeno peppers
Serrano peppers
Cayenne peppers (this heat does vary with variety)
Lemon Drop peppers (mmm these I grew for the first time. more on these later!)
Habanero peppers (and Scotch Bonnets)
This is as hot as I go.. personally..
This year I did grow some Trinidad Scorpions. These are so hot that I'm not sure what I will do with them (lol) They are too hot for me, so I'll no doubt gift these to my peeps with more tolerance than moi.
I was gifted a Carolina Reaper pepper.. It's in a jar, dehydrated, on my 'capsicum shelf' in my pantry, waiting for a project.
What to do with HOT HONEY ?
After you taste this special infused honey, you'll find so many uses for it. It's a wonderful addition to many dishes when some sweet heat truly elevates the taste!
- Add to your herbal tea for a little 'kick'
- Dipping sauce for pizza crust
- Topping for pizza
- Charcuterie or cheese platters
- Delish with chevre and baguette
- House-made vinaigrettes or salad dressings
- Add a little to a baked brie with cranberries and/or nuts
- Add to cocktails or mocktails or make a hot toddy
- Drizzle over chicken wings or chicken tenders
- Drizzle over ice cream or frozen yogurt or ..well anything!
Whichever way you decide to go with this spicy honey idea,
I hope you enjoy every slurp ~ Put a smile on the face of happy friends and gift this one .. soon! Be well. Carol xo
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