Thanksgiving

Did you know that, like the pilgrims, honey bees also made the journey across the Atlantic? European honey bees were brought over to mainland North America in 1622. They were shipped overseas from England to the Colony of Virginia. From there on, the population sharply increased in the New World.

“History of Beekeeping in the United States” by Everett Oertel http://maarec.cas.psu.edu/bkCD/HBBiology/history.htm

Honey hint: If brining a turkey, add a cup of honey to the brine for additional sweetness!

Hot Honey Cider (Makes 16-18 servings)

1		gallon fresh apple cider
1		cup honey
1/2		cup orange juice
		Juice of 1/2 lemon
6 to 7		cinnamon sticks
1		Tablespoon whole cloves
1/2		teaspoon allspice
1		apple
1		orange
1		cup dark rum, optional

Add cider, honey, orange juice, lemon juice, cinnamon sticks, cloves and allspice to a 2-gallon pot. Simmer on medium-low heat for 1 hour. Slice apple and orange into about 6 slices each, leaving the core and peels, and add to pot. Add rum. Serve warm.

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Honey Cranberry Relish (makes 2-1/4 cups)

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Honey Tarragon Glazed Poultry (makes 4 servings)

Combine all ingredients except chicken; mix well. Rub breast and thigh/legs under skin with honey mixture. Roast on rack in shallow baking pan at 325°F for 30 minutes. Brush entire surface with honey mixture. Roast 20 to 30 minutes longer or until leg bone moves freely and juices run clear; baste every 10 minutes. Let stand 10 to 15 minutes before carving. Honey Madeira Sauce: Remove excess fat from pan and deglaze with 3/4 cup water. Boil 1 minute in small saucepan; add 2 Tablespoons Madeira wine and 1/8 teaspoon each salt and pepper. Continue boiling mixture until slightly thickened. Serve with chicken if desired.

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Honey Glazed Sweet Potatoes (makes 4 servings)

Wash and pierce potatoes or yams. Place on a piece of heavy-duty foil and bake at 375°F for 40 to 50 minutes until just tender. Cool, peel and cut into 1-1/2 inch pieces. Spray 8x8-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. Place cooked potatoes or yams in dish; set aside. In small pan, combine orange juice, honey, cornstarch, ginger, nutmeg and salt. Stir until smooth. Cook over medium-high heat stirring until thick and mixture begins to boil. Stir and cook for one minute. Remove from heat and stir in butter. Pour over potatoes or yams stirring to coat. Bake at 350°F for 25 to 30 minutes until hot and potatoes are tender.

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Honey Pumpkin Pie (makes 8 servings)

Combine all ingredients except pastry in large bowl; beat until well blended. Pour into pastry-lined 9-inch pie plate. Bake at 400°F for 45 minutes or until knife inserted near center comes out clean. Serve with Honey Whipped Cream, if desired.

Honey Whipped Cream (makes 2 cups)

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