Honey of a Honeymoon
(ARA) - Tying
the knot takes a lot of planning. From finding
the perfect gown to deciding the guest list and
picking the honeymoon destination, the "to do"
list is long.
Did you know that the word honeymoon traces its
roots back to ancient times? In some cultures,
mead (a drink made with honey) was given to
newlyweds during their first month of marriage
to increase fertility.
Today, honey is used in many other ways to
celebrate marriage. Consider a beauty treatment
using pure, natural honey. Hollywood skin care
specialist Christopher Watt, who beautifies such
movie stars as Halle Berry and Jennifer Lopez,
recommends a two-week wedding beauty regimen he
created using real honey.
"Most people don't realize that pure honey has
many benefits for all skin types," says Watt.
"Honey soothes the skin because it moisturizes
while exfoliating. This combination creates
smoother skin for makeup application."
Watt's "honey mask" recipe should be applied
three times a week for two weeks prior to the
big day. He also suggests a hair treatment using
honey, olive oil and crushed basil or ginger
once a week for two weeks before the wedding.
This natural formula will give the hair rich,
full texture and shine.
In terms of wedding food, honey can be
incorporated into the menu in several places.
Cheese platters are popular appetizers -- add
luscious pieces of honeycomb to complement both
mild and sharp cheeses. Honey dressings can be
used on fruit or lettuce-based salads and honey
glazes are delicious on chicken, pork and fish.
Chef Brooke Vosika of the Four Seasons Hotel in
New York City says honey's versatility makes it
a great addition to festive menus. "There are
more than 300 varieties of honey in the United
States," says Vosika. "Couples planning a
wedding can customize a menu using the types of
honey produced where the couple is from or they
can choose unique varietals like Fireweed from
Alaska or Tupelo from Florida."
Cupcakes are a popular twist on the traditional
wedding cake. A cupcake made with honey has a
dense, decadent texture that is well-suited for
the small form. Plus, several varieties of
cupcakes can be prepared to satisfy the many
taste preferences at a wedding.
Another fun and memorable idea is to give guests
a sweet remembrance of the special day. Give
small jars of your favorite honey labeled with a
personal saying or quote. Honey never spoils, so
guests can remember the event each time they
open the cupboard. Be sure to read the label to
guarantee the product you purchase is 100
percent pure honey.
For more information about honey varietals, food
and beauty recipes and tips visit honey.com. Or,
to find a locally produced or specialty honey,
visit honeylocator.com. Courtesy of ARAcontent
First Love Ensemble
Honey
Wedding Facial Mask
Makes 2 treatments
Ingredients:
1 Tablespoon chamomile tea
1 Tablespoon green tea
2 Tablespoons bentonite or kaolin clay*
2 Tablespoons aloe vera (optional)
2 Tablespoons honey
5 drops rosemary essential oil
3 drops arnica oil
Directions:
1. Steep chamomile and green tea separately --
set aside to cool.
2. In rubber mixing bowl, blend bentonite clay,
chamomile tea and green tea into cake batter
consistency. Discard any remaining tea.
3. Blend in aloe vera and honey.
4. Add rosemary and arnica essential oils and
slowly stir until all ingredients are completely
mixed.
5. Using fan brush or fingers, apply mask to
clean face and neck. Allow mask to set for 15 to
20 minutes.
6. Remove with tepid water and facial sponges.
Pat dry and apply appropriate moisturizer.
* Items are available in most health food stores
or herb shops or by going online.
Honey Passion Fruit Blueberry Cupcakes
Makes 12 to 14 cupcakes
Ingredients:
2 cups unbleached all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup passion fruit nectar
1/4 cup buttermilk
1/2 cup butter, softened
1/2 cup Wildflower Honey*
2 large eggs
1 cup (4 ounces) fresh blueberries
Directions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
1. Sift together flour, baking soda, baking
powder and salt; set aside.
2. In a liquid measure, combine passion fruit
nectar and buttermilk; set aside.
3. In a mixing bowl, cream butter until fluffy.
Add honey; mix well. Add eggs, one at a time.
4. Add half of the reserved dry ingredients to
the butter mixture; mix on low until just
combined. With mixer running on low, slowly add
the passion fruit mixture. Add remaining dry
ingredients until just combined. Gently fold in
blueberries. Fill paper-lined muffin tins 2/3
full. Bake 18 to 22 minutes, or until a
toothpick inserted in center of a muffin comes
out clean. Remove to wire rack; cool. Frost with
Honey Passion Fruit Whipped Cream, if desired.
Honey Passion Fruit Whipped Cream
1 cup heavy whipping cream
1 tablespoon Wildflower Honey*
2 tablespoons passion fruit nectar
In a mixing bowl, combine whipping cream, honey
and passion fruit nectar. Beat until peaks form.
*Any mild-flavored honey such as Clover may be
used.
Mr. & Mrs.
Mugs |
