I love raw honey because I like to be able to have something sweet and have zero guilt. I also like that I never have to say no to my kids when they ask, “can I have honey on that?” I am ‘that mom’ – the mom at birthday parties that watches each cupcake, juice box, cookie and lollipop go into their child’s mouth. And the entire time my mind is off planning what to do to reverse the sugar high that will follow.  There I said it, I am the crazy mom, always reading labels and checking the ingredient list trying to find food that my kids will enjoy but is free of added processed sugar.

My girls would be happy to replace a ‘spoon full of sugar to make the medicine go down’ for a ‘spoon full of honey to prevent needing any medicine’. Honey has a load of health benefits, it helps sooth a sore throat, is a powerful antioxidant, aids in weight management, improves skin and wound healing  and when given to children recovering from diarrhea or a stomach bug they are shown to bounce back faster. Great news, the icing on the cake, is that there is now research to show that honey does NOT cause cavities and it can actually help prevent cavities.

Not all honey is created equal

Now you need to know not all honey is created equal and the common brands in your grocery store may not be up to the task of any of these health benefits. That is why you need to make sure it is 100 percent raw honey. Raw honey is not heated beyond 105 degrees so the natural bacteria and enzymes found in the honey are left intact. Raw honey is lightly strained and is opaque (you can’t see through it). Regular processed honey has been pasteurized and is almost clear and is easily spreadable. So, when you reach for your next jar of honey ensure it is raw honey. If you are already an avid consumer of honey this switch will be easy as raw honey tastes great. You can read more about how honey is made here.

Some of the ways we enjoy honey at home are:

• Honey on whole grain toast
• Honey on cereal
• Honey in tea
• Honey in hot water
• Honey in home made granola bars (check for the recipe below)
• Honey as a general substitute for sugar in recipes
• Honey in a face mask
• Honey on trouble skin areas
• And my girls favourite – Honey on a spoon

Honey nature’s liquid gold

Now we have tried a number of honey brands and my girls tell it to me straight. They know what they like and believe me I hear about it when I purchase a different brand.  Only one brand has been given the seal of approval.  Their favorite is Dutchman’s Gold Honey 100% Canadian honey and a family run business. Dutchman’s Gold prides themselves on the health of their bees and those bees make some amazing honey!

Favourite NO Bake Granola Bar Recipe

Mix into a large bowl – get the kids to mix with their hands it works well to get the job done!

• 2 cups quick cooking oats or your favourite breakfast cereal
• 1 cup nut or seed butter of your choice (peanut, almond, cashew or Pumpkin)
• ¼ cup of raw honey (add more if needed)

Add some of your favourite toppings (coconut flakes, chocolate chips, cranberries, raisins, sunflower seeds, chia seeds or flax). The more toppings you add the more honey or nut butter you will need.

Line a pan or Pyrex dish with parchment paper. Press your granola bar mixture into the pan evenly. Place in the freezer for approximately 45 min. Once finished remove parchment from the dish and cut your granola bars into fun shapes or good old rectangles.

Tip. Wrap the bars individually so they are easy to grab on the go or put in your kid’s lunches.