The Sweet And Spicy Ingredient You Need To Drizzle On Fruit Kebabs

Fruit skewers are as simple and refreshing summer side dish perfect for your next backyard barbecue. Plus, these lines of vibrant, delicious fruit pieces (which can always easily be arranged in a simple design or pattern) make an aesthetic presentation to serve to guests. But, if you want to take this simple dish up a notch in terms of flavor and presentation, light drizzles of hot honey can finish the dish to perfection. 

Hot honey offers sweetness with a touch of spice to deepen recipes ranging from fried chicken and pizza to pancakes and homemade biscuits. Though you can buy hot honey from the store, you can also make your own at home and adjust the ingredients to suit your desired level of heat. Experiment by using different kinds of peppers — serrano, jalapeño, habanero, or Scotch bonnet — to build a recipe that delivers a range of mild heat to scorching satisfaction to your dishes. Red pepper flakes can also bring a touch of spice while adding crunch to your sweet creations. 

Simply simmer your choice of chili ingredient with honey over medium heat, then remove the mixture to stir in apple cider vinegar to balance the sweet heat with acidity. Once the concoction has cooled, pour your sweet and spicy mixture into a glass container to store for your next fruit kebabs. 

Pairing a touch of spice with sweetness

Once you've assembled your fruit skewers and are ready to present them to guests, finish the platter with light drizzles of the sticky hot honey you've stocked away. The sweetness of the fruit will complement the spicy honey, resulting in an irresistible treat for guests. 

Experiment with peaches, pears, apples, and pineapples when assembling your fruit kebabs, or consider popping your fruit skewers on the grill briefly to add a pretty sear and a hint of fiery flavor. You can also leave a container of hot honey to the side so that guests can dress their skewers to suit their desired heat preferences. For a finishing garnish, provide a shaker of chili flakes or a jar of chili crisp for your friends to sprinkle or spoon additional heat on top of their summery fruits. 

For any leftovers of hot honey, consider drizzling the delicious condiment onto ice cream, tomorrow's sandwiches, or even tonight's dinner vegetables to invite a taste of sweet heat into your meals and snacks.