Header photo credit: Wooden Trays
When it comes to appetizers, there’s nothing wrong with the old standbys – but sometimes you need to liven things up.
Here’s a fresh idea: Grab some West Virginia liquid gold, our own Appalachian Botanical Co. lavender honey.
New to cooking with lavender? In general, fresh or dried lavender pairs well with other strong flavors: think savory cured meats; bright, acidic berries; strong cheeses; and rich, creamy dairy. Our lavender honey plays well with those, too–but it shines best when given some space to show off its subtle floral notes and nuanced, butterscotch-like sweetness. Made by bees that forage acres of lavender fields, our lavender honey has a flavor that’s distinct from the clover or wildflower honeys you may have tried before.
Those combinations open the door to many intriguing sweet or savory dishes. Here’s a few starters you can whip up in 30 minutes or less!
Appetizer Ideas Featuring Lavender Honey
- Charcuterie: A jar of Appalachian Botanical Co. lavender honey will look (and taste) impressive on your next charcuterie board. Remember: Fat carries flavor – so consider these rich pairings with meats, cheeses and nuts to play off the lavender honey’s deep sweetness and vibrant floral aroma:
- Manchego, Iberico ham, marcona almonds
- Goat cheese, prosciutto, fresh or dried apricots
- Blue cheese, candied walnuts, apple slices
- Burrata, fresh figs, roasted pistachios
Bonus tip: Use lavender stems, like our Lavender Stem Bundles, in place of toothpicks for an extra infusion of lavender flavor. (And don’t forget some crunchy crackers or a crusty baguette.)
- Baked Brie with Lavender Honey and Herbs: Like lavender, rosemary and thyme are also in the mint family. Together, this aromatic herb trio contrasts nicely with buttery, earthy brie. For a funky swap, up the intensity with camembert – it’s more pungent than brie but still readily available in most grocery stores.
- Lavender Honey Yogurt Parfaits: Hosting a brunch? While the quiche is in the oven, tide your guests over with mini versions of these parfaits. Assemble them in 4-ounce Mason jars for a casual gathering, or opt for a wine glass or champagne saucer for a special occasion (like a bridal shower). You can even make and refrigerate them the night before – just wait to sprinkle the crunchy stuff until just before serving.
- Salted Honey Lavender Nuts: Serve these fragrant nuts with a cheeseboard or enjoy them all on their own. Added perk: Your kitchen will smell amazing.
- Candied Bacon Goat Cheese Toasts with Honey Lavender Drizzle: Candied bacon is the ultimate combination of salty, savory and sweet flavors, and lavender honey is the perfect finishing note here. Pro tip: If grocery store bacon prices are steep in your area, check to see if a local farmer sells bacon ends and pieces. These are the irregular bits left over from carving long, breakfast-friendly strips. They’re often much cheaper and taste the same.
- Grilled Peaches with Lavender Honey Whipped Ricotta: It’s worth the wait to make this with fresh peaches, in season May through September. In the off-season, spread a dollop of the ricotta on a slice of grilled bread, then top it with a spoonful of peach preserves.
- Figs and Raspberries with Lavender Honey Cream: Opt for pasture-raised eggs to make the cream. These have more omega-3 fatty acids and darker, more flavorful yolks than the grocery store variety. Visit your local farmer’s market for fresh, local eggs – or, even better – get a dozen from a friend with laying hens. Then, thank them by inviting them over to enjoy this flavorful dessert.
Hosting is hard enough – so let our bees do the hard work. Grab a jar of our lavender honey and make one of these easy apps. It’s sure to get guests buzzing at your next get-together.
