Recipe: Honey Chicken

Honey Chicken

In March 1998, Ulee's Gold, starring Peter Fonda as a beekeeper, was nominated for an Academy Award. In honor of the occasion we present information about the film from the National Honey Board along with several honey recipes.

Hollywood Is Buzzing

Hollywood's newest starlets are creating quite a buzz with their latest big screen appearance this past summer, while still keeping up with their regular busy day jobs. Honey bees are starring in Orion Pictures' summer release "Ulee's Gold."

"Ulee's Gold" stars Peter Fonda who plays Florida beekeeper Ulee Jackson. Ulee is a man who chooses to lead a simple, isolated life, but still gets stung by the violent modem world. As a war veteran devastated by his wife's death and the collapse of his family, he lives to work his bees and avoid the pain of the past. With his son Jimmy in jail and his daughter-in-law Helen missing for two years, Ulee is caretaker of his two granddaughters. The trio live an ordered life until a call from Jimmy changes everything. Helen is found in trouble and only Ulee can bring her home. Help comes from surprising places—a new neighbor across the street, a friend from the past, and the thoughts and insights of a child. Torn from his comfortable routine, Ulee must draw on old strengths and craftiness to save his family and, ultimately, himself.

The beekeeping industry was pivotal in the filming of "Ulee's Gold." On location in Florida, the cast and crew received professional assistance from many Florida beekeepers. Peter Fonda had little difficulty learning his role. His father, the legendary Henry Fonda, was a dedicated hobbyist beekeeper. In fact, the Florida beekeepers were so pleased with Peter Fonda's work in this role that they awarded his character Ulee Jackson the honor of "Florida Beekeeper of the Year."

Florida Deputy Agriculture Commissioner Carl Carpenter expressed the value that this movie may have on the beekeeping industry by saying, "Many times, people learn as much from movies and television as they do from school...This movie "Ulee's Gold" that celebrates and illuminates the life of a beekeeper—however fictional—has touched a common chord. Beekeeping is not just a profession—it is a way of life. It takes patience, dedication and a true love of what you do." In this day and age, it's a refreshing point of view.

Information provided by the National Honey Board.

Southern-Style Honey
"Barbecued" Chicken

Makes 4 servings

1 (2-1/2 to 3 pounds) cut-up chicken
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 cup thinly sliced onions
3/4 cup tomato sauce
1/4 cup honey
1/4 cup cider vinegar
2 Tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon paprika
1/4 teaspoon bottled hot pepper sauce

In large baking dish, place chicken, skin side down, in single layer. Sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste. Combine remaining ingredients; mix well. Pour mixture over chicken. Bake, uncovered, at 375F for 30 minutes. Turn pieces and bake 20 minutes more or until glazed and thoroughly cooked.

Nutrients Per Serving

Calories: 846
Protein: 85.2 G
Carbohydrates: 26.5 G
Dietary Fiber: 1.3 G
Fat Total: 43 G
Cholesterol: 265 mg
Sodium: 592 mg
Calories from Fat: 46%

Recipes reprinted by permission of Southern Living, Inc.