NOTHING SWEETER
HONEY IS A FIRM FRIEND OF THE COOK AND RUNS THE GAMUT FROM SAVOURY TO SWEET PREPARATIONS
Honey can help out in so many places. In desserts, substitute for sugar to give nuance and character to your creations. When used in savoury dishes, acidity is necessary to redress the balance. The Italians call this agrodolce — sour-sweet. Explore the vast personality of honey, from strong and aromatic to fruity to floral. Source honey that has not been heated, is of single origin and one that is gently filtered, therefore retaining its pollen.
BUTTERMILK PANCAKES WITH HONEY ROASTED PLUMS Serves: 4 INGREDIENTS
2¼ tbsp unsalted butter, plus extra for cooking pancakes
250g plain flour
50g caster sugar
2½ tsp baking powder
½ tsp bicarbonate of soda
½ tsp sea salt
500ml buttermilk
2 eggs
Extra honey, to serve
HONEY ROASTED PLUMS
2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted 1½ tsp vanilla bean paste 2 tbsp honey
2 tsp lemon zest
6 plums
METHOD
Melt the butter in a small pot over low heat then allow to cool. Meanwhile, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, bicarbonate of soda and salt in a large bowl. In another bowl, whisk the buttermilk and eggs. Pour this mixture into the dry ingredients and whisk until the dry ingredients are just incorporated. Add the cooled melted butter and stir in. Refrigerate the batter for an hour before using. Preheat a heavy based frypan over medium heat. Add a small amount of butter to the pan and swipe with some kitchen paper to grease the pan lightly. 3tbsp of batter makes a nice-sized pancake. Cook 3-4 pancakes at a time and when bubbles form on the surface — 1-2 mins — carefully flip and cook for a further minute. Transfer to a tray, keep warm and repeat until all the batter is used.
HONEY ROASTED PLUMS
Preheat oven to 180C. In a small bowl, combine melted butter, vanilla, honey and lemon zest. Halve and deseed plums and place, cut side down, on a baking sheet lined with baking paper. Pour over honey liquor and roast in preheated oven for 8-10 mins. The flesh should yield to the touch with the skin just starting to split. Serve with pancakes and a further drizzle of honey.