Golden Honey, Gentle Heat — Homemade Hot Honey: A Gift of Warmth
- Amy Granger
- Nov 5
- 2 min read
This year, I’m starting a new tradition — gifts made by hand, from the heart.
Instead of searching for something to buy, I wanted to make something simple and sincere. This spiced honey takes only minutes to create, yet it feels thoughtful — a small jar of warmth to share through the season.
Raw honey infused with orange peel, a flicker of chili, and a sprig of rosemary or thyme becomes something both comforting and unexpected. Drizzle it over yogurt or cheese, stir it into tea, or use it to glaze roasted vegetables. It’s a gift that tastes like care — golden, fragrant, and quietly special.
As it infuses, the honey deepens, softens, and mellows — just like the best kind of holiday rituals. My hope is that this becomes one of mine: a simple gesture of giving that begins right here.
Homemade Hot Honey
Equipment
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Ingredients
2 cups raw honey
2-4 strips orange peel (no white pith)
1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
2 small sprigs thyme or rosemary
Instructions
Warm 2 cups honey in a small saucepan over low heat — just until it loosens.
Add 2-4 strips orange peel, 1 teaspoon chili flakes, and 2 springs of thyme or rosemary.
Let infuse gently for 5–10 minutes.
Remove from heat, cool slightly, and strain (or leave everything in for rustic beauty).
Pour into clean jars and store at room temperature.
Yield: about 2 cups (four to five 4-ounce jars)
To Gift
Pour homemade hot honey into small jars, add a sliver of orange peel or thyme sprig, and tie with twine. Include a little tag that reads:
“For tea, toast, or a cozy afternoon.”
Why You’ll Love It
Versatile: Try it with cheese boards, drizzle over pizza, roasted vegetables, or your morning yogurt.
Simple Luxury: Just a few pantry ingredients create a deeply aromatic flavor.
Naturally Preserved: Honey’s antibacterial nature keeps it shelf-stable for months.
Perfect for gifting: Golden hues, herbal flecks, and a touch of spice — bottled sunshine.
Ways to Use It
On cheese boards: Especially with aged cheddar, Manchego, or creamy brie.
Over roasted vegetables: Try carrots, sweet potatoes, or Brussels sprouts.
For breakfast: Drizzle over Greek yogurt, waffles, or porridge.
In cocktails: Mix 1 tsp into bourbon, lemon, and soda for a winter spritz.
As a glaze: Brush over salmon, chicken, or roasted nuts.
💛 Homemade + Heartfelt Gift Idea
Wrap your jar with linen or kraft paper and tie with twine or a sprig of rosemary. Include a small tag with serving ideas — “Try over brie or roasted squash.”
Add it to a Mediterranean-inspired gift basket with:
A wedge of cheese
Artisan crackers
A small bundle of fresh herbs
A handwritten note
It’s simple, intentional, and radiates warmth — exactly what homemade gifting should feel like.
A Note to Close
Not all traditions need to be old to feel meaningful. Some begin quietly — in your kitchen, with a jar of honey and the intention to give something real.
This little golden jar is where mine begins.
Happy infusing!
Amy
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