Covered in Honey

Niall (Sweet & Natural Baking) returns to natural sweeteners--this time, honey. After giving a brief history of honey, from the evolution of bees (""scientists have estimated fossilized bee remains to be 50 million years old"") to Greek mythology (Melissa, one of the two nymphs who cared for Zeus during his childhood, has a name that means""she who makes honey""), Niall discusses modern bee keeping, the art of making honey, as well as the many varieties of honey. In a book as naturally sweet as his subject, Niall gives recipes for such morning treats as Honeybuns, Banana Blueberry Scones and Pan-Fried Apple Fritters with Apple Honey Dipping Sauce. From there, he covers bread-baking: Hearty Five-Grain Bread; Parmesan Biscuits with Sage, Sage Honey, and Kalamata Olives; and Fig and Roquefort Bread with Tarassaco Honey. And for home cooks looking to sweeten savory dishes, Niall brings to the table delightful recipes for Balsamic and Honey Seared Salmon, Seared Portobello Mushrooms over Grilled Radicchio with Buckwheat Honey and Manchego Cheese, and the unusual New Mexican Layered Enchiladas with Red Chile and Mesquite Honey Sauce.