All You Need is Honey + 4

FIRESTONE, Colo., Nov.19, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- The many gatherings of the holiday season are here, and along with them come a lot of our favorite classics. Turkey, mashed potatoes, bunuelos - your dinner table is bound to have it all. Preparing a festive feast is no easy task, and trying to entertain your guests at the same time can prove to be quite the challenge! Well, there's no need to stress - not this year! The National Honey Board and food expert and author of Nibbles & Feasts Ericka Sanchez have come up with quick and tasty hors d'oeuvres you can put together in as easy as 1, 2, 3, 4...honey.

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Whether to serve as finger food when you're putting on a last minute party for spontaneous loved ones, or as appetizers when looking for a way to satisfy hungry guests before serving the big holiday meal, honey has you covered. From Prosciutto Honey Wraps to Honey-Lime Chicken Skewers, each recipe is made with only honey and four other simple ingredients, and they'll take less time to prepare than the time you spent on your trip to the market! Ericka's experience with food and exploring the different tastes that honey can accent in a dish allowed her to put together a creative menu that is sure to wow all of your guests.

"My favorite sweetener is honey, and its versatility and convenience make it an essential staple in my kitchen, as it should be in yours!" shares Ericka. Having honey on hand already puts you one step ahead in your goal of hosting a memorable party. And because each recipe uses ingredients not often seen on holiday dinner tables - such as figs, crostinis and prosciutto - they won't challenge your feast, but rather elegantly complement the whole meal. "What's more impressive then graciously hosting a party and actually partaking in the celebration, instead of just being stuck in the kitchen all night? The point is to enjoy it with your guests, and honey lets you do just that," adds Ericka.

With these scrumptious edibles, you won't have a problem facing any get-togethers before or on the days of Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year's and more. This year you have the tools you need to relax and spend the holidays alongside your friends and family. You can even keep these diverse recipes as your go-to appetizers for future parties, such as birthdays, reunions or just plain fun social gatherings. We've all got busy schedules, but making time for your loved ones is a must on the agenda. Now you can pamper them hassle-free with these original and delectable bites!

No more racking your brain for ideas. Try out the recipes below for the quickest way to treat your guests and enjoy the festivities along with them:

Cheese-Stuffed Figs with Peppery Honey Port Syrup
Makes 8 servings

Ingredients:
2 tbsps honey
8 fresh figs
8 tsps cream cheese, room temperature
1/3 cup ruby port
5 black peppercorns

Preparation:
In a small saucepan, heat port, honey and peppercorns over low to medium flame.  Bring to a boil and continue cooking until the consistency becomes syrupy; this should take approximately 2 minutes. Set aside and let cool. Remove peppercorns.

Cut the stem off of each fig. Then cutting the fig crosswise, gently open them like a flower.  Place a teaspoon of cream cheese in the center of each "flowered" fig and drizzle with honey port syrup.

Mini Bunuelos with Honey Cream
Makes 8 servings

Ingredients:
1 cup honey
8, 8-inch flour tortillas
Oil for frying (canola or vegetable oil)
1 cup creme fraiche
1 tsp cinnamon

Preparation:
Cut out each tortilla with 4"-inch round cookie cutters. Fold each side of the cut out piece over on opposite sides so as to allow both folds to meet in the center, forming a pocket. Heat 1-inch of cooking oil in large skillet. Once hot, fry each tortilla pocket until golden brown. Place on paper towels to drain excess oil. Let cool. Next, place ½ cup honey in a small bowl. Once tortillas are cool, carefully brush each one with honey.

In a small saucepan over low heat, warm the remaining ½ cup of honey until easily stirred. Add creme fraiche and cinnamon. Continue stirring until all ingredients have thoroughly combined. Serve bunuelos drizzled with the honey cream or on the side for dipping.

*For a fun, festive look, you can cut tortillas out using 2" to 4"-inch star cookie cutters.

Check out all of our simply delectable Honey + 4 Ingredients appetizers by visiting www.mielpura.org. 

About the National Honey Board
The National Honey Board is a federal research and promotion board under USDA oversight that conducts research, marketing and promotion programs to help maintain and expand markets for honey and honey products. These programs are funded by an assessment of one cent per pound on domestic and imported honey.

SOURCE National Honey Board