Revisit Your Childhood By Kicking Off Summer With A Traditional, But All-Natural, Honey Raspado

FIRESTONE, Colo., July 9, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Finally, our long-awaited summer is here. Now is the time to relax, enjoy the sun and treat yourself - all in the name of kicking off spectacular weather! Who doesn't love a day laying out in the sun? A cold, delicious raspado by your side, topped with honey that's as golden and bright as the sun would make these hot summer days, even better. We all enjoy cold treats during the summer, but it can be hard finding one that's refreshing, natural and satisfying. The National Honey Board found the perfect solution with Lauda Flores of Sno-Con Amor, who has partnered with them to create delicious honey raspados, or shaved ice, inspired by traditional Latin flavors and using only natural ingredients.  

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120709/LA35240)

So what makes these honey raspados so delectable? While traditional raspados are flavored by ingredients that are sometimes too sweet, these raspados use all-natural honey, with flavors ranging from Tamarindo with Honey to Honey Mojito. You'll be able to satisfy your sweet tooth without going overboard! "I get tons of people asking me for my recipes, and I always tell them to find the best natural ingredients at their reach, and to add pure honey to truly enhance their amazing flavors," states Flores. "I've always been a fan of honey and it's exciting to explore and discover the way it compliments each flavor in such distinct ways.''

Honey's versatility allows it to gracefully pair with virtually any fruit's natural taste, and its unique flavor sets it apart from other sweeteners. Using it as the sweetener for your raspados will add a special touch that your family and friends are sure to note and appreciate. We're all constantly looking for natural options and ingredients to re-create old recipes - including childhood favorites like raspados - but it can be difficult to figure out what will work. The National Honey Board has done the work for you, and you can trust that these recipes will be your go-to "refreshments" of the summer! Also, since a little goes a long way with honey, it's a cost effective ingredient that you can use for raspados and beyond.

"Working with Sno-Con Amor to create these summer treats has been a wonderful experience, and we think honey lovers will be pleasantly surprised with how delicious their results are once they try these recipes at home," adds Catherine Barry, Director of Marketing of the National Honey Board.

Honey is a pure and natural ingredient, made by honey bees, with the help of Mother Nature. Use nature's gift to make these flavorful honey raspados and let the summer begin!

Honey Tamarind Raspado

Makes 4 servings

Ingredients:
6 tbsp of honey
8 tamarind pods
2 cups of water
4 servings of shaved ice

Preparation:
Rinse and shell tamarind pods. Extract pulp and place in a pot with water. Bring to a boil and stir in 2 tablespoons of honey. Once combined thoroughly, remove from heat and let stand until cool. Refrigerate overnight. Pour over shaved ice and drizzle the remaining honey to top it off.

Your Favorite Honey Mojito Raspado

Makes 4 servings

Ingredients:
6 tbsp of honey
1/4 cup of lime juice
10 organic mint leaves (a few more for garnish, optional)
1 3/4 cup of water
4 servings of shaved ice

Preparation:
Place honey, water and mint in a pot and bring to a boil. Muddle and stir to infuse the flavors. Remove from heat and let cool. Strain into a container and stir in lime juice. Refrigerate overnight. Pour over shaved ice, drizzle extra honey to taste and serve.

For more tasty honey raspado recipes visit 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