I have always been really interested in bees. Even growing up I was never the child who screamed and ran away, I was more likely to get in close to a hive to see what was happening. Knowing this, when I was 15 my mom bought be a book about the history of bees. It was soon one of my favorites, and is one of my most dog-eared, worn-down books. The title is "Sweetness and Light". It is a beautifully written book all about the history and the current affairs of the Honey Bee.
Did you know that a honey bee can go miles from its hive, but once it is done collecting pollen it instinctivly knows the quickest way back to the colony?
Also, bees are one of the only creatures who can only survive by working together in a group to produce honey, honeycomb, and protect their queen.
These amazing little insects are in peril. Hive diseases have cut numbers drastically and pollution, neglect, and urban sprawl have brought their population to the lowest it has been in recorded history. Thank goodness at least some people have taken notice, because the popularity of beekeeping, even as a simple hobby, has started rising. lets do our part to help support bees and one of the worlds perfect sweeteners, honey.
Here is a super simple recipe that uses honey, and is one of my breakfast staples.
Cinnamon-Honey Butter
1/2 Stick butter, softened
1/4 cup Honey - locally bought (using local honey is not only delicious, but it also can help with allergies since it is made from plants in your area!)
1/2 Tbsp cinnamon
Just mix them all together and you will have the best spread for toast you have ever tasted. It is also really great on squash, inside pastries, or glazed on chicken
