Beyond the Burner: Unusual & Delicious Frankincense Essential Oil Recipes

You may know frankincense for its spiritual applications, or perhaps its skincare benefits. 

What you may not know is that this potent essential oil can impart a unique flavor when used in culinary applications. 

If you buy frankincense essential oil with the intention of enhancing both your well-being and your next gastronomic creation, prepare to have your horizons expanded.

This article will serve as a guide to infusing Frankincense essential oil into your recipes, enhancing their flavor profiles and potentially adding subtle health benefits. 

Remember, when ingested, only use certified pure, therapeutic-grade frankincense essential oil.

Aromatic Foundations: Understanding Frankincense’s Flavor Profile

Before jumping into recipes, it’s important to understand what frankincense brings to the table. 

The taste can be described as a combination of pine, citrus, and spice with subtle sweet undertones. 

The flavor of frankincense can vary depending on the origin and quality of the oil. Working with small quantities allows you to find the taste that works best for you.

Frankincense-Infused Honey: A Sweet Elixir

Infusing honey with frankincense is a great way to add a special touch to your teas, pastries, or even eaten by the spoonful to calm down or clear your mind.

Recipe:

• 1 cup raw honey
• 10-15 drops of organic frankincense essential oil

Instructions:

1. Gently mix the honey and frankincense oil in a small bowl.
2. Make sure the oil is evenly distributed in the honey by stirring gently.
3. Keep the infused honey in a sealed container at room temperature.

A small amount of this honey adds a unique flavor and aroma to whatever you choose to add it to.

Frankincense Ice Cream: A Chilling Adventure

For a truly unique dessert, try frankincense ice cream. The flavor can be surprisingly refreshing and complex, offering a sophisticated twist on a classic treat.

Recipe:

• 2 1/2 cups milk
• 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
• 10-15 drops frankincense oil (100% pure boswellia sacra)
• 1 cup sugar, divided in half
• 3 egg yolks

Instructions:

1. Mix egg yolks with half a cup of sugar until the mixture becomes pale yellow.
2. In a pot, heat milk, cream, and the remaining sugar. Remove from heat just before boiling. Slowly whisk the hot liquid into the egg mixture.
3. Return to medium-low heat and cook until the mixture thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon.
4. Mix in frankincense drops. To avoid separation, incorporate quickly. Strain the mixture.
5. Chill in an ice bath or refrigerate overnight.
6. Churn in an ice cream maker according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Frankincense-Infused Coconut Oil: Aromatic Skin Food

While not strictly a recipe for eating, infusing coconut oil with frankincense creates a multi-purpose product that can be used in both beauty and culinary applications. 

Use it as a moisturizer, hair mask, or even as a flavorful cooking oil for certain dishes.

Recipe:

• 1 cup melted coconut oil
• 12 drops organic frankincense essential oil

Instructions:

1. Mix melted coconut oil and frankincense oil in a small bowl.
2. Stir until the oil is evenly distributed.
3. Allow the mixture to cool and solidify at room temperature.
4. Store the infused coconut oil in a sealed container.

Savory Sensations: Frankincense in Sauces and Dressings

Frankincense isn’t limited to sweet dishes; it can add depth to savory creations as well. 

Try adding a drop or two to salad dressings or sauces for grilled meats or vegetables. A subtle hint can add a layer of complexity that people won’t be able to put their finger on.

Recipe Idea: Frankincense Balsamic Vinaigrette

• 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
• 3/4 cup olive oil
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 drop frankincense essential oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Whisk together balsamic vinegar, olive oil, minced garlic, and Dijon mustard in a bowl.
2. Add one drop of frankincense essential oil and whisk again.
3. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Drizzle over your favorite salad.

Tea Time: Frankincense in Hot Beverages

Adding frankincense to tea can be a soothing and aromatic experience. The warm liquid helps to release the oil’s aroma, creating a calming effect.

Recipe:

1. Brew your favorite herbal tea (chamomile or lavender work well).
2. Add one drop of frankincense essential oil to a teaspoon of honey.
3. Stir the honey into the hot tea and enjoy.

DIY Frankincense Room Spray

Here is a recipe to make a calming room spray:

Ingredients:

• 10 drops Frankincense essential oil
• 8 drops Lavender essential oil
• 5 drops Geranium essential oil
• 60 ml Distilled water
• 30 ml Witch hazel or vodka (as an emulsifier)

Instructions:

• Combine all the essential oils in a glass spray bottle.
• Add witch hazel or vodka to the bottle, then fill the rest with distilled water.
• Shake well before each use and spray it around the room for a calming atmosphere.

A Word Of Caution

When cooking with frankincense essential oil, be sure to follow these guidelines:

• Quality Matters: Only use certified pure, therapeutic-grade frankincense essential oil that is safe for internal use.
• Start Small: Frankincense has a potent flavor, so start with a single drop and adjust to taste.
• Dilution is Key: Always dilute frankincense oil in a carrier substance like honey, oil, or milk before adding it to your recipe.
• Consult an Expert: If you have any concerns about using frankincense essential oil internally, consult with a qualified aromatherapist or healthcare provider.

Culinary Exploration

Infusing recipes with frankincense essential oil may add a unique touch to your culinary experience. 

With a focus on quality, moderation, and safety, this ingredient has the potential to broaden the range of flavors and aromatherapy in your home.

Check out some of our other tips articles.