LITTLE ROCK — DEAR READERS: Did you know that September is National Honey Month? Here are a few “sweet” honey facts and an easy-to-do recipe:
It’s best to store honey atroom temperature.
According to the National Honey Board, honey can last indefinitely if stored correctly.
The source of the nectar determines honey’s color.
The color determines the flavor: Mild flavors are light, and robust flavors are darker.
There are more than 300 varieties in the United States.
Here is a recipe from the National Honey Board:
HONEY BAKED APPLES 1 /2 cup honey, divided use 1 /2 teaspoon grated orange
peel Cinnamon to taste 4 baking apples, cored and
pared 1 /3 way down from
the top
Blend 1 /4 cup honey with the orange peel and cinnamon, then set aside. Arrange the apples in a 9-inch round or 8-inch square microwave-safe baking dish. Fill the center of each apple with 1 tablespoon honey mixture. Cover with plastic wrap, and make sure to vent the wrap. Microwave on high (100 percent) until almost tender (2 to 2 1 /2 minutes per apple);
rotate the dish 1 /4 turn halfway through cooking time. Drizzle remaining honey over apples and let stand 2 to 3 minutes before eating.
I sometimes put little red cinnamon candies and a tablespoon of strawberry jam in the middle of the apple. When done, I put one or two in the refrigerator and have a sweet, yet healthy, treat.
DEAR HELOISE: As I put away groceries, I open cereal, cracker and other boxed products. This keeps the kids from tearing the boxes while trying to open them.
- Ann W. from Texas Send a money- or time-saving hint to Heloise, P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio, Texas 78279-5000; fax to (210) 435-6473; or e-mail
Family, Pages 36 on 09/22/2010