Manuka honey is the perfect culinary ally
Add it to breakfast, like Tony Blackburn, or to main meals
LOOKING for a brilliant kitchen ingredient? Try Manuka honey. Breakfasts welcome a drizzle onto porridge, yoghurts and toast, while it’s a great addition to a wake-up drink.
Ask veteran radio host Tony Blackburn (top left), who mixes a spoonful into some hot water every morning to help maintain his silky-smooth voice, adding a dash of turmeric and a squeeze of lemon.
He says: ‘I always have porridge for breakfast with Manuka honey, too, so it’s part of my morning routine. I eat so much honey I should be flying really.’
Hot drinks, smoothies and even hot toddies are a traditional way to get Manuka into your diet.
But what about using Manuka honey in other meals throughout the day?
Countless healthy eating fans on instagram have come up with amazing kitchen creations, including these showstoppers.
■ MANUKA HONEy PIzzA: Add chopped jalapeño peppers (with seeds) and chopped red chilli to Manuka honey and simmer for seven to eight minutes on medium heat.
Once cooled at room temperature, strain it and store in an airtight jar.
Lather the pizza base with this chilli jam and load it with shredded mozzarella. Pepperoni-style figs, along with fresh arugula, feta, chopped almonds, and generous drizzle of hot honey make this one heavenly pizza!
■ MANUKA PANEER: A Korean-inspired hot rice noodle bowl featuring paneer, radish, broccoli, red cabbage, spring onion, carrot strips and yum yum sauce is perfect for a cosy autumn night to keep you warm and full.
The key to this recipe is the Gochujang sauce. Made in a glass jar, you simply combine soy sauce, Gochujang, Manuka honey, ginger garlic paste, 1 tbsp oil, and sesame seeds.
■ SwEET AVOCADO ON TOAST: Top sourdough toast with sliced avocado, freshly picked blackberries and a drizzle of Manuka honey — so scrumptious.