Lunch: Buffalo Chicken Lollies

This recipe includes superfoods such as:

Honey

Health benefits of Buffalo Chicken Lollies

Honey, often hailed as a superfood, possesses a wealth of nutritional benefits that make it a valuable addition to a balanced diet. With a glycemic index (GI) of 55 for one tablespoon, honey is considered a moderate GI food. This means it does not spike blood sugar levels as high or as quickly as high-GI foods, making it a better choice for maintaining steady energy levels and supporting overall health.

Rich in antioxidants, including phenolic acids and flavonoids, honey offers protective benefits against oxidative stress and inflammation. These antioxidants can help combat the damage caused by free radicals, which are linked to chronic conditions such as heart disease and cancer. Furthermore, the natural sugars in honey can provide a quick energy boost, making it an excellent option for a pre-workout snack or a natural sweetener in beverages and meals.

Honey's benefits extend beyond its nutritional profile. Its antimicrobial properties make it a natural remedy for wounds and burns, promoting healing by providing a moist environment and acting as a barrier to infection. Additionally, honey has been used for centuries to soothe sore throats and coughs, thanks to its ability to coat the throat and reduce irritation.

However, it's important to consume honey in moderation. While it is a healthier alternative to refined sugar, it is still a form of sugar and can contribute to weight gain and other health issues if consumed in large amounts. For individuals with diabetes or those monitoring their blood sugar levels, it's crucial to account for honey's GI and its effects on blood sugar.

Choosing raw, unprocessed honey can also maximize its health benefits. Raw honey is more likely to retain its antioxidants and other beneficial compounds that can be lost during processing. Incorporating honey into your diet can be as simple as adding it to yogurt, drizzling it over oatmeal, or blending it into smoothies. Its natural sweetness and health-promoting properties make honey a superfood worth including in a healthy, balanced diet.

Ingredients

2 tablespoons celery leaves, plus more for garnish
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
1 medium stalk celery, chopped (1/3 cup)
1 clove garlic, minced
1 small shallot, chopped (1/3 cup)
1 1/2 pounds ground chicken
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/2 cup cayenne hot pepper sauce, such as Frank's Red Hot
2 tablespoons honey
2 tablespoons ketchup

Instructions

For the buffalo chicken: Put the celery leaves, salt, black pepper, celery stalks, garlic and shallots in the bowl of a food processor and pulse until finely chopped. Transfer the mixture to a medium bowl and add the chicken. Mix gently to combine using your hands. Cover the bowl and refrigerate to allow the flavors to meld and marinate the chicken, about 30 minutes. Form 2 ounces of the mixture onto each skewer, skewering three-quarters of the way through. Place the skewers onto a baking sheet and refrigerate for about 20 minutes. Meanwhile, melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add the hot sauce, honey and ketchup, stirring to combine. Bring to a simmer over medium heat and cook until slightly thickened, about 20 minutes. For the dipping sauce: While the sauce is cooking, blend the mayonnaise, buttermilk, lemon juice and 2 ounces of the bleu cheese in a blender until smooth. Scrape the sauce into a medium bowl, stir in the remaining 2 ounces bleu cheese and sprinkle with salt and black pepper. For cooking: Prepare a grill for direct heat grilling over medium-high heat. Brush the grill with a towel soaked in 2 tablespoons of the canola oil. Place the skewers on the grill and grill until slightly charred, about 2 minutes. Turn the skewers and brush with the butter-hot sauce. Continue to cook the skewers, turning and brushing with the sauce until cooked completely, about 5 minutes. Remove the skewers from the grill and brush with the additional sauce. Serve with the bleu cheese dipping sauce and garnish with more celery leaves.