The Baconian Method

Great Scott! It's a combination that only Sir Francis himself could have concocted—bacon (yes, bacon), peanuts, butter and sugar—making a memorable, distinct, decadent confectionary sensation—called Sir Francis Peanut Brittle. It's a whole different kind of Georgian peanut brittle and a must try. The peanuts are of the Spanish variety, which has a tinge of sweetness, an ideal quality for sweets. The Bacon comes from the lgendary Benton's smokeshouse. No expanation needed there. Just the best Tennessee smoker. 

Why called Sir Francis Bacon? It only makes sense. He's the only scientific pioneer whose dedication to scientific methods and undying dedication to his work ended by him experimenting with the preservation of meats. Could he actually have invented bacon?

Sir Francis Bacon Peanut Brittle

The Apiarist's Cake

As summer begins to fade and we settle into the back-to-school rhythm of things, the phrase busy as bees takes on a whole new meaning; closing pools, fall clean-ups and many outdoors chores. 

Eating locally made honey helps build your immune system. A bee keeper, aka an apiarist may manage a colony of bees that can have upwards of 50,000 members. But, the art of the apiarist is not only about making honey, it's more about the preservation business these days. 

I talked bees with J. Smith, who takes his bees very seriously. He is based in County Kerry, Ireland where he has devoted his life to preserving the species and is constantly spreading the word of the critical condition the bee population is in globally. The one thing he said that really stuck with me was his explanation of how the bee colonies "live together with a collective consciousness - something humanity should adopt." His honey is available for local merchants and markets; sustainability is paramount.

The perfect combination of locally made honey and citrus is what inspired today's post, as seen on an episode of GH Living it UP! Enjoy a slice of my Orange Honey Cake with a hot cup of Barry's Tea, a Good Stuff pick. BTW - this recipe is a really easy one to whip up for a impromptu gathering since you can make, bake and eat this cake, all in under one hour! Enjoy!

For My Orange Honey Cake Recipe

established 1575

It's a true millers tale. The Bacheldre Mill with its waterwheel-and-all still stands and mills flour the old fashioned way, stone ground - since 1575. Tucked between England and Wales (in the Welsh Marches), millers Matt and Anne Scott have revived and put a golden star on their award winning organic flours; supplying the discriminating home baker and Michelin Star restaurants.

Available globally. 

Charcoal and Cracker

That's right, charcoal and cracker, together. Hand baked and hand packed in the same English tradition from more than a half century ago by Artisan Biscuits, the sister company to The Fine Cheese Company; well know for their artisan traditional cheeses in the UK. 

Charcoal powder is a natural ingredient and is still used in making these delicious crackers today. Charcoal crackers or "biscuits" were created in the 1800s as a digestive biscuit. Today, these crackers with that hint of authentic charcoal flavor is considered a a bit of gourmet appetizer statement and complementary base with your favorite brie, goat cheese and fruit. Try something new. Available in the US, made in England.

Ye Olde English Toffee

This weekend's holiday is giving chocolate lovers reason to indulge. If you are looking for a traditional alternative confection to the box of chocolates, I've found it.

Harrogate Toffee is a rich, brittle, buttery toffee with a hint of lemon oil. Farrah's Toffee from Harrogate in Yorkshire is made the same way since its beginnings in 1840 and has been a favorite with candy lovers from all over the world for generations keeping the company in business for over 160 years. It is even reputed to be the current Queen's favorite toffee!

The toffee is still made in copper pans, in Harrogate, north Yorkshire packaged in their signature embossed tin boxes. Farrah's is also known for their other confections, preserves, chutneys and shortbreads.

Relatively new to the line are the red packaged "Olde English Toffee," an individually wrapped softer and more chewy version, and available in the US at specialty shops and markets.

Farrah's
Pennine Range Mills,
Camwal Road,
Starbeck,
Harrogate,
North Yorkshire,
HG1 4PY
t: 01423883000