An electuary is an old-fashioned preparation in which finely ground herbs or spices are blended with honey, creating a concentrated mixture that can be taken by the spoonful or stirred into a warm drink. This golden version combines honey with ginger, turmeric, cinnamon, black pepper, and clove for a fragrant, warming blend that is especially welcome when the weather turns cool.
Stir a spoonful into hot tea, warm milk, coffee, or apple cider. The spices will naturally settle somewhat as the honey stands, so give it a good stir before using.
INGREDIENTS:
1 cup honey
2 teaspoons ground ginger
2 teaspoons ground turmeric
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon finely ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
METHOD:
Place the honey in a small saucepan or heatproof bowl and warm it very gently, just until it becomes fluid and easy to stir. Do not boil or overheat the honey.
Meanwhile, combine the ginger, turmeric, cinnamon, black pepper, and cloves in a small bowl, mixing thoroughly so the spices are evenly distributed.
Add 2 tablespoons of the warm honey to the spices and stir until you have a smooth paste. This helps prevent clumps and makes it easier to distribute the finely ground spices evenly throughout the honey.
Stir the spice paste into the remaining warm honey until completely blended.
Transfer to a clean, dry jar and cover tightly. Allow the electuary to rest for at least 24 hours before using so the flavors have time to meld.
Stir before each use.
To Serve
Start with 1 teaspoon Golden Spice Honey Electuary per 8-ounce cup of hot tea, warm milk, coffee, or apple cider. Stir well and adjust to taste.
For a simple warming drink, stir a teaspoon into a mug of steamed milk. For fall, try it in hot apple cider—the honey, ginger, cinnamon, and clove complement the apples beautifully.
Kitchen Note
Because the spices remain in the honey rather than being strained out, use finely ground spices for the smoothest texture. The flavor will continue to develop after the mixture is made, becoming rounder and more integrated as it rests.
