Spring is undoubtedly my most favourite season, the warmth of the sun and the promise of summer to come. But, I also love the autumn – the changing colour of the leaves, the bright red berries, autumnal sun and most of all the excuse to use the lovely warming spices and sit beside a cosy log fire.

If you’re like me, then you are in for a treat. I have an amazing recipe that is the epitome of autumn. My Pumpkin Spice Honey contains a powerful blend of warm spices with some incredible medicinal benefits. It is quick and easy to make and even easier to eat! Warm the honey while you measure out the spices and it’s practically made.

Here is how to make this mildly spiced honey in no time at all:

The Many Ways to Use Your Honey

This spiced honey is incredibly versatile. Here are some ideas for how to use it:

In Tea or Coffee: Stir a spoonful into your morning tea or coffee for a seasonal twist. It works especially well in herbal teas like chamomile or rooibos, as well as black or green tea.

On Toast or Pancakes: Spread it over toast, pancakes, or waffles for a delicious autumn breakfast that tastes like a treat.

In Yoghurt or with Oats: Drizzle it over plain yoghurt, overnight oats, or porridge to add a naturally sweetened, spiced flavour to your morning.

As a Dessert Topping: Use it to sweeten desserts like ice cream, fruit salads, or drizzled over cakes and muffins for a warming spiced finish.

Glaze for Roasted Vegetables: Mix a spoonful with olive oil or melted butter and brush over roasted carrots, sweet potatoes, or butternut squash, for a sweet and spicy glaze that’s perfect for autumn meals.

In Smoothies: Blend a teaspoon into your favourite smoothie for a hint of sweetness and warming spice.

With Cheese: It is delicious drizzled over soft cheeses like brie or goat cheese, and serve with crackers or bread for an interesting appetiser.

In Pumpkin Soup: Perfect for an extra layer of warmth, stir a tablespoon of pumpkin spice honey into your pumpkin soup, adding a subtle sweetness that complements the natural flavour of the pumpkin.

But, let’s not forget that the spices in this honey – cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger and cloves – have a long tradition of medicinal use. And, its not just folklore that we are talking about here. All these spices have lots of research to back up what people have noticed for themselves over the centuries.

Cinnamon

Research on this fragrant spice supports its use for blood sugar regulation suggesting it may be useful for people managing insulin sensitivity or diabetes. Cinnamon has antimicrobial properties and may help to combat infections. You will often see it in my recipes for colds and flu. You can also try it to help reduce bloating or relieve indigestion. And , if you struggle with menstrual pain you might want to experiment with cinnamon – research found it significantly reduced the severity and duration of pain during menstruation.

Nutmeg

This spice has a warm, nutty flavour but has also long been used for its medicinal properties, especially in relation to supporting digestion. This is another medicinal spice which can help to reduce bloating, nausea and indigestion. It also has anti-inflammatory properties and may help to reduce arthritic pain. But, what makes nutmeg different is that it has calming, soothing and mildly sedative properties, which may promote better sleep. And, some studies suggest that it might even improve your memory.

Ginger

There are thousands of research articles about ginger supporting its health benefits, especially for easing nausea, digestion and inflammation. You may have heard of its use for reducing morning sickness or travel sickness. Ginger has strong antiviral and antimicrobial properties. It is often used with lemon and honey in homemade cold and flu remedies.

Cloves

My recipe includes just a pinch of cloves. It has a powerful flavour. It also has powerful anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties. You may have noticed it on the ingredients list in your toothpaste. This is because a compound in cloves called eugenol can help to break down biofilms such as dental plaque. Similarly to the other warming spices, cloves can help relieve indigestion, gas and bloating. This warming spice may also respiratory congestion in the cold and flu season.

Package it up in a pretty jar and it makes a perfect gift! So, this quick and easy recipe has a lot to offer besides delicious flavour and I would love to hear if you try it.