What do I do with honey that is crystallized?

[wildeyed]

It is stuck in a container with a narrow neck, so I can't scoop it out with a spoon and use it for baking. Can it be returned to its former honey-like state?

[Stinky The Clown]

1. Run hot water over the bottle

Or just soak it in very hot water for a while (assuming it doesn't float). The honey should return to its former state.

[Warpy]

2. Better idea

put a rack into a saucepan, put the bottle on the rack, fill the saucepan with water 3/4 up the way of the bottle, and simmer until the honey is completely thinned.

The hot tap water only works when it's slightly crystallized.

If you use honey slowly, like I do, pour it out of the bear and into a wide mouthed jar like a jam jar. When it crystallizes, you can use it like a spread. You can also just scoop a little out with a spoon to use in tea.

[Dora]

3. Microwave

Zapping it in the microwave will liquify your honey again, though it will re-crystallize w/in a matter of days.

If it's in a plastic container be careful you don't melt it. I once murdered an innocent honeybear doing this.

I also like doing as Warpy suggests, using it as a spread.

[Warpy]

4. I didn't suggest the microwave because I, too, have murdered

an innocent honey bear. Most honey is in plastic jars now, and that's why I specified the rack and simmering water solution.

The rack can be an overturned heatproof bowl in the bottom of the saucepan, anything to keep the container from making contact with the hottest part of the pan.