10 Fun Reasons to Dip Into Your Honey Jar

1. MIX UP SOME DRINKS

MINT-HONEY PUNCH Bring 10 cups water, 4 cups mint sprigs and ¾ cup honey to a boil. Remove from the heat and steep 20 minutes. Strain into a pitcher and refrigerate until cold. Stir in 2 tablespoons lemon juice and add ice.

2. TRY A NEW PAIRING

PECORINO WITH HONEY Break pecorino cheese into small chunks. Arrange on a platter; drizzle with honey and sprinkle with freshly ground pepper. Serve with toothpicks.

3. DOCTOR YOUR TOPPINGS

HOMEMADE HONEY MUSTARD Mix ¼ cup each Dijon mustard and honey in a bowl. Stir in 1 tablespoon rice vinegar and salt to taste.

4. MAKE YOUR OWN CANDY

ALMOND NOUGAT Microwave 1 cup each honey and sugar in a microwave-safe measuring cup until a candy thermometer registers 290˚, 10 to 15 minutes. In a stand mixer, beat 2 egg whites on high speed until stiff. Slowly beat in the hot honey until thick, 8 minutes. On low speed, beat in ¼ cup confectioners’ sugar, ½ teaspoon vanilla and 2½ cups almonds. Transfer to an oiled parchment lined baking sheet; roll out to 1 inch thick. Let cool 2 hours, then cut into squares.

5. BUILD A FROZEN TREAT

HONEY ICE CREAM SANDWICHES Sandwich pistachio or butter pecan ice cream and a drizzle of honey between butter crackers.

6. MAKE A QUICK GLAZE

HONEY-SOY CHICKEN WINGS Coat 3 pounds chicken wings (split, tips removed) in flour. Deep-fry in 375˚ vegetable oil until golden, about 15 minutes. Drain on paper towels. Mix 6 tablespoons melted butter, ¼ cup honey and 2 tablespoons soy sauce in a bowl, then toss with the wings.

7. DRESS UP SOME POPCORN

PECAN CARAMEL CORN Melt ⅓ cup butter with 1 tablespoon honey and a pinch of salt. Toss with 12 cups popcorn and 1 cup pecans. Spread on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake at 325˚, stirring, until coated, about 15 minutes.

8. BAKE BREAD FOR BREAKFAST

HONEY QUICK BREAD Whisk 1¾ cups flour, 1¼ teaspoons baking powder and ½ teaspoon salt. Beat 1 stick softened butter, ¼ cup honey and ½ cup sugar until fluffy; beat in 2 eggs and 1½ teaspoons vanilla, then ½ cup milk. Beat in the dry ingredients. Transfer to an oiled 9-by-5-inch loaf pan and bake at 350˚, 55 to 65 minutes. Drizzle with more honey while still warm.

9. SERVE AN EASY APP

FIG AND HONEY TOASTS Cut 1 baguette into ¼-inch-thick slices. Arrange on a baking sheet and brush with olive oil or melted butter. Bake at 350˚ until crisp, about 15 minutes. Top with sliced figs and drizzle with honey; sprinkle with sea salt.

10. GIVE A SWEET GIFT

SPICY ROSEMARY HONEY Bring 1 cup honey, 1 tablespoon chopped jarred Calabrian chiles and 1 rosemary sprig to a simmer, stirring. Let cool, then transfer to a small jar. Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

For more great ideas on ways to use honey, visit Honey.com.