Honey is one of the world’s oldest sweeteners, and early American settlers raised bees near their homes for honey. They found honey made their breads and cakes more moist.

Today, we enjoy cooking with honey — in cakes, pies, breads, salad dressings, marinades for grilling, roasting vegetables and meat.

Sourwood honey, one of the finest honeys around, is made by bees who collect the nectar of the white flowers of the sourwood trees. It is pale golden in color and has a distinct caramel-spice flavor.

Did you know?

Did you know that honey is…

• good for your heart?

• has antioxidant properties that reduce inflammation?

• is easier for your body to process than white sugar?

And did you know that one of the easiest ways to prepare fall’s sweet potatoes and squash is to roast with a drizzle of sourwood honey? That easy recipe is followed by even more fast and fabulous ways to cook with honey all year long!

10 Fast & Fabulous Ways to Cook with Honey

1. Mix equal parts honey and soy sauce and add ginger and garlic. Brush on salmon or chicken before roasting or grilling.

2. Use in your favorite granola recipe.

3. Toss cubes of roasted sweet potatoes with honey and red pepper flakes.

4. Make a honey mustard dipping sauce for chicken wings with equal parts honey, mustard, and mayonnaise.

5. Brush over fresh pineapple slices and run under the broiler.

6. Drizzle into your favorite Old Forge Bourbon cocktail.

7. Use instead of molasses in gingerbread and instead of corn syrup in pecan pie.

8. Pour over pancakes, scones, or buttered cornbread.

9. Drizzle over Manchego, Cheddar, or blue cheese.

10. Whisk honey into plain yogurt and top with fresh berries.