Tasty Recipes from the National Honey Board

Schoolhouse Favorites

(presented by the National Honey Board August, 2011

It's that time of year again! Stuff those backpacks with books, binders, paper and pencils and get ready for another jam-packed school year. We hear all of the groans and whines coming from the kids as the first day of school approaches ever so quickly. But that’s not all we hear – parents are chiming in right along with them!

With the natural foods movement growing stronger every day, what wholesome, natural snacks and lunches can you pack for your kids that you feel good about and that they will actually eat? We’ve got the perfect score on this suggestion: honey.  As a natural energy booster, honey can provide the necessary boost to keep kids energy levels up throughout the day (even in the most boring classes). From breakfast to lunch to snacks, honey can make any school day sweeter!

Honey Berry Waffle Sandwich
(makes 4 servings)

• 1-1/2 cups fresh berries, divided *
• 1 Tablespoon butter
• 1/3 cup honey
• 8 frozen waffles, toasted

Purée 1/2 cup berries in a blender or food processor; set aside. In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Add honey and bring to a boil; simmer 2 to 3 minutes, then add berry purée. Continue to simmer 2 to 3 minutes more until syrup thickens slightly. Set honey syrup aside and keep warm. For each serving, place 2 waffles on plate. Top one waffle with 1/4 cup fresh berries. Drizzle with 1/4 of syrup and top sandwich with remaining waffle. *Raspberries, strawberries and blueberries work well.

Honey Turkey Rollers
(makes 6 servings)

• 8 oz. cream cheese, softened
• 1/3 cup honey
• 1/4 cup mustard
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder, optional
• 6 (8-inch) whole wheat tortillas
• 1-1/2 cups Colby Jack cheese, shredded
• 12 thin slices turkey

In a medium bowl, beat cream cheese with an electric mixer until fluffy. Add honey, mustard and onion powder; mix well. Spread 1 to 2 tablespoons of honey cream cheese mixture out to the edge of each tortilla. Sprinkle each tortilla with 1/4 cup cheese, leaving about 1 inch around the edge. Place 2 slices of turkey on each tortilla. Roll up each tortilla tightly and wrap in plastic wrap. Chill at least 30 minutes, then slice each tortilla log into eight 1-inch rounds and serve.

Honey Sesame Chicken Nuggets
(makes 6 servings)

• 1/3 plus 1/2 cups honey, divided
• 1/3 cup soy sauce
• 3/4 cup rice vinegar, divided
• 1 Tablespoon ginger, freshly grated
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1-1/2 lbs. boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into nuggets
• 3/4 cup dried apricots, finely diced
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2/3 cup sesame seeds

Honey Granola Squares
(makes 9 servings)

• 3 cups low-fat granola
• 3/4 cup dried fruit (apples, apricots, cherries, cranberries or pears), finely chopped
• 1/2 cup honey
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil
• 3/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3 egg whites, lightly beaten

In a large bowl, mix together granola and dried fruit. In a small saucepan, heat honey, oil and vanilla over medium heat, stirring until honey is dissolved. Pour honey mixture over granola and mix until thoroughly coated. Pour egg whites over granola mixture; mix well. Pack mixture firmly into an 8-inch square nonstick baking pan. Bake at 325°F for 40 minutes or until deep golden brown. Place pan on a cooling rack; cool completely before cutting into squares, approximately 2-1/2-inches each