If you don’t eat honey for ethical reasons, or you just want a similar ingredient to use in your recipes, this citrus-scented honey substitute is a superb alternative.
Chef's notes
When using the zest of citrus in your recipes, be sure to choose unsprayed, organic citrus for optimum results and to avoid pesticides in your food.
Store the honey in the refrigerator and use for drizzling on things like non-dairy yogurt and puddings or use as a delicious alternative sweetener.
Steps
1
Making the Vegan Honey
Ingredients
1/2 cup brown rice syrup
1/4 cup pure maple syrup, Grade A, dark or dark amber
1 tsp organic granulated sugar
thinly sliced orange
thinly sliced lemon
To make the vegan honey, combine the rice and maple syrups and sugar in a medium saucepan with high sides. Place over medium heat and bring to a boil. Add the sliced fruit.
Lower the heat and cook at a low boil for 15 minutes, stirring a few times. Adjust the heat as necessary, to maintain a low boil.
Once the desired consistency has been reached, pour the syrup through a fine mesh strainer into a jar.
To test the final consistency: Spoon a tablespoon into a small dish and refrigerate 10 minutes. If the honey is thick enough to drip thickly off a spoon, cool to room temperature in the saucepan. If not, cook it for another few minutes and do the test again.
Cover and refrigerate for up to 2 weeks.
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I love this train of questions- always reminds me of " The Adams Family" movie when Wendy is asked by the prissy Girl Scout " is that lemonade made our of real lemons?" to which Wendy replied in a monotone " are those cookies made out of Real Girl Scouts?" :}
Hi Shaina,
The brown rice syrup here is a key component, both for its unique flavor and consistency. Maple syrup is not going to give you a similar result. It's worth seeking out brown rice syrup. You can look for it online, in many markets too.
I always keep a jar and a spare.
Fran
Hello, Sara—thanks for writing. When listening to the video, the chef is suggesting one slice of lemon, and two slices of orange, each cut 1/4” thickness. You can also adjust the amount of citrus used, depending upon the flavors you are seeking. It’s a fun recipe to make. Thanks. Cheers, Char
Fran C • Rouxbe Staff •Victoria, you’ll have to decide for yourself! Varieties of honey have very different flavor profiles.
Patricia J •I love this train of questions- always reminds me of " The Adams Family" movie when Wendy is asked by the prissy Girl Scout " is that lemonade made our of real lemons?" to which Wendy replied in a monotone " are those cookies made out of Real Girl Scouts?" :}
Char N • Rouxbe Staff •Hello, Sara—thanks for writing. When listening to the video, the chef is suggesting one slice of lemon, and two slices of orange, each cut 1/4” thickness. You can also adjust the amount of citrus used, depending upon the flavors you are seeking. It’s a fun recipe to make. Thanks. Cheers, Char