citrus honey

Ricotta, Fig & Citrus Rosemary Infused Honey for Crostini

Ricotta, Fig & Citrus Rosemary Infused Honey for Crostini

If you’re looking for a holiday appetizer that feels elevated, seasonal, and impossibly easy to assemble, this Ricotta, Fig & Rosemary Citrus Infused Honey Crostini is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Created by infusiast and content creator Maria Calabrese @greenbeelife, this recipe layers creamy ricotta, ripe figs, toasted nuts, and a fragrant citrus and rosemary infused honey made with the LĒVO II+ infusion machine.

This is the kind of appetizer that looks restaurant-level but requires only simple ingredients — and the infused honey recipe can be prepped in advance or gifted on its own in mini jars.

Whether you’re hosting, bringing a dish to a gathering, or assembling handmade edible gifts, this honey infusion adds a bright, aromatic twist that pairs beautifully with both sweet and savory bites.

 


 

Why Citrus Rosemary Infused Honey Makes a Great DIY Gift

Infused honey has become a favorite among home cooks and edible makers because it’s:

  • Flavor-packed and beautifully aromatic
  • Long-lasting and naturally shelf-stable
  • Exceptionally easy to customize
  • Perfect for tea, toast, charcuterie, cheese boards, and baked goods
  • Gorgeous when bottled in small jars with a ribbon or sprig of rosemary

The LĒVO II+ takes the guesswork out by controlling temperature and infusion time, giving you a smooth, consistent honey infusion every time.

This version leans into winter flavors with rosemary and orange zest — making it ideal for seasonal gifting or holiday hosting.

 


 

Botanical Benefits of Rosemary

 

Think of botanicals as nature's own subtle, powerful ingredients—the vibrant leaves, fragrant flowers, delicate seeds, or aromatic roots of plants. When we speak of them in the health and wellness field, we're referring to those specific parts that offer not just flavor, but a unique, time-honored wellspring of benefits, ready to elevate your edible creations with an authentic, healthful touch.

Rosemary

Rosemary's journey through history is marked by its delightful aroma and indispensable role in the kitchen. Modern analysis has revealed rosemary as a concentrated source of beneficial antioxidants and anti-inflammatory molecules, particularly rosmarinic acid. Beyond its internal properties, the distinct, uplifting fragrance of rosemary is frequently harnessed in aromatherapy to offer an invigorating sensory experience.

Citrus Peel or Zest

We all know and love citrus fruits for that signature burst of tang and zest, but the real magic is concentrated right in the peel—which is exactly what we're infusing here. This often-overlooked citrus rind is a powerhouse of essential oils and bioflavonoids, contributing far more than just flavor. 

Honey

The real magic of honey lies in the tiny amounts of plant-derived compounds transferred from the flower. Specifically, the honey becomes rich in powerful phenolic acids and flavonoids. These are the good guys, the strong antioxidants that scientists are constantly studying. Beyond the nectar, the bees themselves add enzymes, most notably glucose oxidase. This enzyme is the secret weapon that gives honey its mild, natural antimicrobial punch.

 


 

How the LĒVO II+ Elevates Infused Honey

Honey is sensitive to heat, and traditional stovetop infusions often run the risk of overheating or losing delicate aromas. With LĒVO’s low-and-slow precision, the infusion stays smooth, pourable, and beautifully flavored.

For this recipe, LĒVO handles:

  • An optional gentle dry cycle
  • The activation step
  • A controlled infusion at 160°F
  • Hands-free decanting for a clean finish

The result is a smooth, aromatic rosemary infused honey that tastes bright, herbal, and citrusy — perfect for drizzling over this crostini.

 


 

How to Assemble the Crostini

This appetizer comes together with just a few steps:

  • Toast your baguette slices until crisp and golden
  • Spread with whipped or fresh ricotta
  • Layer with fresh figs (or thinly sliced pear)
  • Sprinkle nuts for crunch
  • Drizzle generously with your citrus rosemary infused honey
  • Add a pinch of flaky salt and a rosemary leaf or two for a finishing touch

Each bite is creamy, crunchy, sweet, and lightly herbal—an effortless showstopper for holiday tables.

 


 

Gifting Ideas for Infused Honey Lovers

Infused honey is one of the most versatile DIY gifts. This citrus-rosemary version feels especially festive. Try packaging it:

In mini glass jars with twine
With a sprig of rosemary tucked under the ribbon
With a handwritten recipe card for the crostini
As part of a charcuterie-themed gift basket
Paired with artisanal crackers, cheese, or teas

If you’re gifting infused honey, always recommend using it on warm—not piping hot—foods to preserve its aroma and composition.

 


 

LĒVO Tools & Ingredients Featured

LĒVO II+ — precise temperature control for delicate honey infusions
Power Pod / Potency Pod — for holding herbs and botanicals
LĒVO Herb Press — for clean, easy straining
Raw Honey — a perfect base for bright, aromatic infusions

 




Final Thoughts

This Citrus Rosemary Infused Honey Recipe is the perfect example of how a simple infusion can elevate everyday ingredients. The infused honey adds a beautifully fragrant note that pairs effortlessly with ricotta, fruits, and toasted crostini bread — making it a standout dish for gatherings and gifts alike.

Whether you're creating a seasonal appetizer or assembling edible holiday gifts, this LĒVO-made infused honey offers flavor, elegance, and that extra-special handmade touch.

Thank you, Maria Calabrese of Green Bee Life. Check them out online or on their instagram @greenbeelife.


 

Get the Full Infused Honey Recipe

Find the complete ingredient list and step-by-step instructions here:

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