Pairings of certain foods in cookery have a long history. The combination of honey and nuts is one of the most enduring. In ancient Arabia, Egypt and China, early cooks caramelised nuts and dried fruits in boiling honey to make temple offerings, balms and medicines, and as an early act of preservation.

In the story of Israel’s origins, Jacob sent gifts of honey, almonds and pistachios to Egypt to curry favour in a time of famine. Perhaps he was appealing to Pharaoh’s sweet tooth! In the Gospels, John the Baptist famously survived on a diet of honey with locusts. Clearly nuts were scarce in the desert or he would have made a more sensible choice.

I’m a sucker for sweet things, honey especially, and almonds are my nut of choice. So, in my book, combining these two is a winner. This simple recipe does just that.

Here’s what you need

For the base

• 100g melted butter
• 120g brown sugar
• 1 cup plain flour
• 1/2 cup almond meal

For the topping

• 125g butter
• 100g honey
• 200g slivered almonds

Here’s what you do

• Preheat the oven to 170c, then grease a slice tin (20cm X 30cm) and line with baking paper

• For the topping, place the butter and honey in a heavy-based saucepan over a medium heat. Bring it to gentle simmer and stir occasionally for around 3-4 minutes. The mixture will lightly caramlise.
• Stir in the nuts
• Pour the mixture evenly over the base, encouraging the mixture gently in the corners.
• Bake for a further 15 minutes until the mixture is golden and bubbly.
• Remove from the oven and let the slice stand to cool completely. Cutting into the slice before it cools will only make a mess of things.

If you have a weakness for the sweetness of honey and a love of nuts, this is a pairing made in heaven!