Simple Honey Cakes

I haven't had much time for baking these days, what with the semester wrapping up, state examinations, Bebe's 2nd birthday party coming to a head, and just your general all out weariness.  Yet, despite all the commotion, I've had a craving for all things honey related.

My latest fascination was sparked by a most recent read, The Secret Life of Bees, by Sue Monk Kidd, not a new novel, but a wonderfully crafted one.

I've been combing the web for "honey cakes," the results of which have not been promising.  Don't get me wrong.  Many of the recipes sound divine, but I had something specific in mind, something pure, easy, simple.

What I found was fussy, chocolaty, spicy, fruity even so I gave it a rest.  Then, when I found the house all to myself, I tried again.  This time I searched "The Secret Life of Bees inspired recipes," and bingo!  I found just what I was looking for, mostly.

I didn't have all of the ingredients, but as is my nature, I made do.  The recipe was a snap to put together and the baking time was less than an hour.  Voila, honey cakes!

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 3/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/3 cup local honey
• 1 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
• 1 egg
• 3 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup vanilla or plain yogurt
• 1/4 cup butter
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1/4 cup brown sugar

Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.  In a mixing bowl, beat together oil, brown sugar, honey, vanilla, and one egg.  I used my stand mixer so while that was going I sifted my dry ingredients into a medium size mixing bowl.  I alternately combined the dry ingredients and yogurt until it was all fully incorporated.  Don't over mix these ingredients.  

Spray paper lined cupcake tins with baker's spray (flour + oil combo) and spoon mixture in each cup.  I got one dozen cupcakes.  Bake for 25-30 minutes or until inserted toothpick comes out clean.

While cupcakes are baking, heat butter, honey, and brown sugar together until sugar is completely dissolved.  This only took a few minutes, maybe five at most.  When cupcakes come out of the oven, poke holes across the tops and spoon honey butter mixture over tops of cupcakes.  The mixture should completely absorb.  

You may top with frosting, but I didn't.  The cupcakes are so sweet, and you really get the honey flavor.  No coffee, chocolate, or spice flavors mucking up the perfect taste of honey.

I hope you enjoy.  They're great when warm and would be great with tea or coffee.

Recipe found at http://butterybooks.com/bookclubpartyideas/the-secret-life-of-bees-sue-monk-kidd/.  I tweaked the recipe slightly, for my tastes, but look at all the other book inspired foods they paired with the honey cakes.  Yum!

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