Angelica Infused Honey

This recipe combines the delightful flavors of angelica with honey to create a sweet and aromatic infusion. Angelica-infused honey is a wonderful addition to teas, desserts, and even salad dressings.

Ingredients:

• A bunch of fresh angelica stalks (make sure they are clean and free from pesticides)
• 1 cup of high-quality honey (raw or local honey is recommended)

Instructions:

1. Harvest Angelica Stalks:
   • Ensure you properly identify angelica and harvest it from a clean, pesticide-free location. You’ll need a bunch of fresh angelica stalks. Choose young, tender stalks for the best flavor.
2. Prepare the Stalks:
   • Rinse the angelica stalks thoroughly to remove any dirt or debris. Trim away any leaves and excess foliage, leaving just the clean, hollow stalks.
3. Blanch the Stalks:
   • To reduce any bitterness in the angelica, blanch the stalks. Fill a pot with water and bring it to a boil. Drop the cleaned angelica stalks into the boiling water for about 2 minutes, then immediately transfer them to a bowl of ice water to cool. Drain the stalks.
4. Infusion Process:
   • Cut the blanched angelica stalks into smaller pieces, around 2-inch segments. This will help release the flavor more effectively.
   • Fill a clean glass jar with the angelica pieces.
   • Pour honey over the angelica stalks, making sure they are fully submerged. You may need to gently tap the jar to release any air bubbles and ensure the honey covers the stalks entirely.
5. Seal and Store:
   • Seal the jar with a tight-fitting lid.
   • Store the jar in a cool, dark place, like a pantry or cupboard.
   • Allow the angelica to infuse the honey for at least a week. You can leave it for longer for a more intense flavor, up to a month.
6. Straining and Storing:
   • After the desired infusion time, strain the honey through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth into a clean, sterilized jar or bottle. Make sure to press the angelica pieces to extract as much flavor as possible.
   • Store your angelica-infused honey in a cool, dark place. It should keep well for several months.

Usage:

• Use your angelica-infused honey to sweeten tea or coffee, drizzle it over desserts like ice cream or cakes, or incorporate it into salad dressings for a unique and flavorful twist.

Remember to label your infused honey with the infusion date so you can keep track of its freshness. Enjoy the delightful and aromatic flavor of angelica in this homemade infusion.