/ Better Living

01:00 AM EDT on Thursday, October 21, 2004

By Sherri Brennen

All honey is not the same. Generally speaking the darker the honey, the more intense the flavor will be.

Flavored honey is delicious but it can be very expensive. But it’s easy to make your own by adding herbs or spices to warm spices. Then let it steep for about a week.

AP

Liquid honey keeps best at room temperature and will last for about a year.

Liquid honey keeps best at room temperature and will last for about a year. If it contains honeycomb, it’s best to use it within six months.

Honey that has crystallized can be re-liquefied by placing it in a container of very hot water. Once the honey warms up, stir it until it is smooth.

When measuring or serving honey, it’s best to use clear measuring cups. Make clean up easy by spraying the container with cooking spray.

To measure honey more easily, remove the top from the jar and microwave for about 30 seconds to soften until it pours easily.

Prevent the top of the honey jar from sticking by wiping the rim clean with hot water. Then place a piece of wax paper on top before screwing on the lid.

In a pinch, you can substitute an equal amount of another syrupy sweetener like syrup or molasses for the honey that is called for in a recipe.

Honey is sweeter than sugar so when using it to sweeten tea or as a topping, use a little less.

To keep a honey pitcher from dripping, dab a bit of oil or butter just inside the spout.

Honey combined with yogurt, ground nuts or fruits makes a great natural facial.

So there you have it a few Better Living honey tips to make things a little sweeter.