Gingerbread Honey Cupcakes: A Sweet Spin on Tradition

(Family Features) In a holiday season crowded with everything from mouthwatering cakes, cookies and pies to “fa-la-la-la” forgettable fruitcakes, the dessert table can bring you comfort and joy or sweet-tooth dismay. Here’s the secret to spicy, sweet cupcakes that “sleigh” at the dessert table: These gingerbread cupcakes with honey cream cheese frosting swap molasses for raw honey to deliver bold flavor and buzzworthy bragging rights. Just like most legendary desserts, every drop of Busy Bee Raw Honey comes with a story. Sourced entirely in the U.S. and tested for safety, quality and three times for purity, it comes with a peel-away back label and Real Honey Code so you can trace your honey’s journey from flower to hive to your holiday dessert table. To bring the journey to your home this holiday season, visit BusyBeeHoney.com to find more inspiration, information and availability.  

Gingerbread Cupcakes with Honey Cream Cheese Frosting

Yield: 12 cupcakes

• 1 3/4    cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2       cup packed dark brown sugar
• 1 1/2    teaspoons baking powder
• 2          teaspoons ground ginger
• 1          teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/8       teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/2       teaspoon salt
• 1/2       cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2       cup Busy Bee Raw Honey
• 1          egg, lightly beaten
• 1/2       cup buttermilk, at room temperature
• 1          teaspoon vanilla extract

Honey Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 8          ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1/2       cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
• 1/4       cup Busy Bee Raw Honey
• 1          teaspoon vanilla extract
• 4-6       cups powdered sugar

1. Preheat oven to 350 F.
2. Line 12 regular-size muffin cups with paper baking cups.
3. In medium bowl, whisk flour, brown sugar, baking powder, ginger, cinnamon, cloves and salt.
4. In large bowl, using hand or stand mixer, beat softened butter and honey until smooth and slightly fluffy, 1-2 minutes. Beat in egg then mix in buttermilk and vanilla until combined.
5. Add dry ingredients to wet mixture and stir gently until no streaks of flour remain; don’t overmix.
6. Divide batter evenly among muffin cups, filling each about two-thirds full.
7. Bake 20-22 minutes, or until toothpick inserted in center of cupcake comes out clean.
8. Let cupcakes cool in pan about 5 minutes then transfer to wire rack to cool completely.
9. To make frosting: Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy. Add honey and vanilla then gradually beat in powdered sugar until fluffy, spreadable and reaching desired sweetness. Chill for firmer consistency before piping or spreading, if desired.

SOURCE: Barkman Honey

At our core, we at STM Daily News, strive to keep you informed and inspired with the freshest content on all things food and beverage. From mouthwatering recipes to intriguing articles, we’re here to satisfy your appetite for culinary knowledge.

Visit our Food & Drink section to get the latest on Foodie News and recipes, offering a delightful blend of culinary inspiration and gastronomic trends to elevate your dining experience. https://stmdailynews.com/food-and-drink/

The Top Five Butcher Shops in Phoenix: Where Quality Still Matters

In a world dominated by big-box grocery stores, Phoenix’s neighborhood butcher shops continue to thrive—offering handcrafted cuts, local sourcing, and old-school service. Whether you’re planning a weekend cookout or hunting for a chef-grade steak, these five shops deliver quality and craftsmanship.

1. Hobe Meats – A Phoenix Classic

Hobe Meats ( Official site ) is a true old-school butcher: house-aged steaks, custom cuts prepared to order, and staff who know their meat. A popular neighborhood stop, they’ve gained loyal customers for both everyday cuts and specialty requests.

2. The Meat Shop – Local, Natural, and Award-Winning

The Meat Shop ( Official site ) focuses on locally sourced, hormone-free meats from Arizona farms and has collected local awards for quality. Expect unique cuts and whole-animal options—perfect for home chefs who prioritize traceability and flavor.

3. Meat Shop Butchers – Whole-Animal Craftsmanship

Meat Shop Butchers ( Official site ) practices whole-animal butchery and offers a range of specialty meats including bison, elk, lamb, and goat. This shop is ideal if you’re looking for artisanal butchery, rare cuts, or ethically sourced small-batch meat.

4. Block & Apron – Modern, Curated, High-End Meats

Block & Apron ( Official site ) provides a clean boutique butcher experience: consistent, high-quality cuts, curated selections, and ready-to-cook prepared items. They also offer delivery on larger orders—great for busy households and entertaining.

5. La Hereford Meat Market – Authentic Carnicería Tradition

La Hereford Meat Market ( Menu/Info ) represents Phoenix’s carnicería tradition—flavorful marinated carne asada, everyday cuts, and a friendly neighborhood vibe. If you want authentic Latino-style meats at good value, this is a go-to local spot.

Portrait of a proud smiling butcher at butcher shop.

Why Phoenix Still Loves Local Butcher Shops

Phoenix shoppers keep supporting neighborhood butchers because these shops offer:

• Better quality and freshness than many chain counters
• Custom, handcrafted cuts prepared to your preference
• Access to specialty and exotic meats
• Ethical and local sourcing options
• Personal service and community connection

Clickable Links: Top Butcher Shops in Phoenix

• Hobe Meats (Official Website)
• The Meat Shop
• Meat Shop Butchers
• Block & Apron
• La Hereford Meat Market

Related STM Daily News Coverage

Want more local coverage? Check these stories:

• Local Business features on STM Daily News
• Phoenix food & dining coverage
• Community markets and events — see our coverage of Veggies for Veterans and holiday outreach events.

Easy Game Day Sliders Recipe: Simple Salami Sliders for Tailgating

Keep Your Focus on the Action with an Easy Game Day Winner

(Family Features) When spicy dips and saucy wings sound a little too overwhelming for your next game day gathering, turn to a simple yet still delicious solution. These Simple Salami Sliders can make game day planning a breeze with pregame ease and just a few everyday ingredients for the perfect snack at kickoff. Find more tailgating and homegating recipes at Culinary.net.

Simple Salami Sliders

Recipe courtesy of “Cookin’ Savvy” Servings: 4-6

• 1          package slider buns
• 8          slices Swiss cheese
• 8          slices salami
• 8          slices ham or other deli meat
• 1          stick butter, melted
• 1          tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 2          tablespoons brown sugar
• 1          tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese
• 1          teaspoon onion powder
• 1          teaspoon garlic powder
• everything bagel seasoning (optional)

1. Heat oven to 350 F.
2. Halve slider buns, creating top and bottom portions. Set top portion aside, leaving bottom portion in original container. Place bottom portion and container in baking dish to prevent sticking.
3. Layer Swiss cheese, salami and ham then cover with top buns.
4. Mix melted butter, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, Parmesan cheese, onion powder and garlic powder. Pour over sliders.
5. Cover with foil and bake 15 minutes then remove foil, sprinkle with everything bagel seasoning, if desired, and bake, uncovered, 10 minutes.

SOURCE: Culinary.net

The fate of Lucky Supermarkets in SoCal

Link: https://stmdailynews.com/the-fate-of-lucky-supermarkets-in-socal/