Foodservice - Chefs, Operators, Educators
Honey Usage and Promotion Tips for Foodservice Professionals
Please review the tips below for information on innovative ways to enhance your menus and promote your business by tapping into the quality of honey. The recipes mentioned in the tables below are freely available from both the online Foodservice Recipe database on this website, and the free Honey Culinary Library CD, which you can order here.
Whether operator, chef or foodservice educator, we encourage you to consider honey's ingredient benefits - natural sweetener, purity, versatility, distinctive taste and texture - when planning your menus.
Beyond the Basics: New Ways to Add Honey to the Menu
| Perennial Favorites | Local / Seasonal | Unexpected and Exciting | Simple and Spectacular | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Appetizers | Honey-Mustard Dip (serve with vegetables, crackers, chicken wings) | Scallop Skewers with Applewood Smoked Bacon and Lehua Honey Glaze | Honey-Jack Mexican Fondue | Spanish Cocktail; Skewer machego and melon, sprinkle with cumin, drizzle with honey |
| Salads and Dressings | Honey Vinaigrette | Honey Roasted Pear Salad | Spring Vegetable Salad with Fresh Cheese and Truffle Whipped Honey | Perfect in Pink: Drizzle pink grapefruit segments with honey |
| Center-of-the-Plate | Honey Barbecue Spareribs and Chicken | Seared Duck Breast with Sherry Vinegar and Lavender Honey Reduction | Grilled Tuna with Fried Oysters and Honey ‘Cue | Ultimate Peanut Butter and Honey Sandwich (surprise ingredient - potato chips!) |
| Condiments, Sauces, Marinades, Glazes | Thai-Style Honey Peanut Sauce | Honey Mustard Fruit | Honey-Harissa Pomegranate Glaze | Honey Caramel Sauce |
| Baked Goods | Honey-Currant Scones | Honey-Rosemary-Red Pepper Focaccia | Honey Hot Buffalo Chicken Pizza | Honey Shortbread |
| Desserts | Honey Ice Cream or Gelato | Tupelo Honey Truffles | Honey Macaroon Dessert Pizza | Honey Bee Brownies |
| Beverages | Honey Ice Tea | Honey Strawberry Tea Cooler | Honey Lavender Cream | Watermelon Aqua Fresca |
Download a PDF of all three usage tip tables | Return to top of page
Honey’s Attributes
| Natural Appeal | Menu Trends | Versatility | Topping / Sweetening | Combinations |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 100% pure and natural Fat-free Adds rich texture and color Distinctive sweetness Varietal sources and flavors |
Locavore Seasonal Natural and Sustainable Ethnic - honey is produced in nearly every country on the globe and is used in a variety of cuisines. Spicy - honey works to balance and smooth flavors. |
Dips, spreads and toppings Marinades, glazes and sauces Salad dressings and condiments Beverages - from smoothies to cocktails Baked goods and desserts Cheese platters and pairings |
Tea, coffee, herbal infusions Hot and cold cereal Housemade breads and biscuits Waffles, pancakes and French toast Fresh and aged cheeses, yogurts Fruit salad Ice Cream, gelato, sherbets and sorbets |
Dijon and whole grain mustards Barbecue and other ready-to-use sauces Butter and cream cheese-based spreads Prepared dressings Beverage mixes |
Download a PDF of all three usage tip tables | Return to top of page
Seasonality / Promotional
| Winter | Spring | Summer | Fall |
|---|---|---|---|
| Baked goods like muffins, scones, artisan breads Valentine’s Day - Say "Honey, I love you" with decadent honey desserts Honey cookies and baked goods make great gifts for the holidays |
March is National Nutrition Month - smoothies, power bars Easter and Passover celebrations Baseball season starts - top ballpark favorites with honey condiments |
Fire up the grill - marinades, sauces and glazes June - Promote National Salad Month with a honey salad dressing Start a beverage club - use hot, cold beverage recipes and cocktails |
Setpember is National Honey Month - celebrate it in style Thanksgiving - Honey pumpkin and pecan pies Honey works with all the fall harvest vegetables |
Download a PDF of all three usage tip tables | Return to top of page
Foodservice
En Español