Homemade Hot Honey

Ingredients

• 1.333 cup honey
• 0.25 cup crushed red pepper flakes (Also known as red chili flakes or crushed red pepper; use dried chiles.)
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar

Steps

1. 1

   Add the honey to a small saucepan and heat it over medium-low heat only until it is warm and very easy to stir.

2. 2

   Stir in the crushed red pepper flakes and mix to distribute them throughout the honey.

3. 3

   Reduce the heat to low and heat for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

4. 4

   Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the mixture stand for 10 minutes to infuse.

5. 5

   After 10 minutes, place a fine-mesh strainer, preferably metal, over a bowl or measuring cup.

6. 6

   Pour the honey and chili flakes through the strainer. The hot honey will collect in the container, while the flakes will remain in the strainer. If necessary, carefully stir the honey and flakes to help the honey pass through the mesh.

7. 7

   If the honey is too thick and difficult to strain, briefly reheat it over low heat so it flows more easily.

8. 8

   Discard the chili flakes. Add 1 tbsp of apple cider vinegar to the strained honey and stir gently to combine.

9. 9

   Transfer the honey to a clean Mason jar. Cover the opening with cheesecloth or a coffee filter and secure it with a rubber band.

10. 10

    Allow the hot honey to cool to room temperature before putting on the lid.

11. 11

    Store the honey at room temperature for up to 6 months and discard it if it develops mold, changes in color, an unpleasant odor, or any other signs of spoilage.

Notes

The final yield is approximately 1 cup of hot honey, since some of the honey adheres to the chiles during straining. For a longer shelf life, use dried chiles; fresh chiles add moisture and require refrigeration, with an approximate shelf life of 2 weeks. Use clean utensils when serving and avoid introducing moisture into the jar. If the honey crystallizes, it can be used as is or gently warmed to make it easier to drizzle. The apple cider vinegar mellows the heat and helps make the honey easier to pour.

Nutrition per serving

• condiment
• sauce
• gluten-free
• vegetarian
• vegan
• dairy-free
• no prolonged cooking
• spicy