Bienenstich or Bee Sting Cake

In all my bakery stops all over the world, from Prince George Canada to Invercargill New Zealand, from New York to Manila and back, I have never seen it before.  It looked like a humongous 10 inch burger with a thick whitish filling instead of a meat patty.

I was told it was a Bee Sting Cake or Bienenstich in German.  The story goes that the scent of honey attracted a bee who stung what might have been perceived as an obstacle – the baker who created the confection.

Another version is that in the 15th century, German bakers successfully warded off  marauders by flunging beehives at the intruders.  To celebrate with their feast, they baked a cake named after the beehive’s stinging deterrence, Bienenstich!  

Bee Sting is a yeasted cake, consequently it is more bread-like in taste and texture.  The filling can be either whipped cream (with gelatin to keep it firm and prop the top), or vanilla custard, or buttercream filling .   The one I got at Breka Bakery at Fraser Street had a combination of whipped cream and vanilla custard.  At CAD$12.50, the 10 inch round cake can serve 8 or more.  

My guests said it was not overly sweet, just right.  In Vancoucer, only the Aspen Club on Victoria Drives serves the cake as a dessert slice.

For a good Bee Sting Cake recipe see:

Diana’s Desserts   or   Smitten Kitchen

or My Family Kitchen

Masarap!

Cape Roger Shore Walk

Saturday was mostly rain, so when the clouds opened up Sunday morning, it paved the way for a morning hike at Cape Roger Shore Walk, also called the Roger Curtis Sea Walk, on the southwest corner of Bowen Island – about a 15 minute drive from Snug Cove – where the ferry berths.

It was actually my first hike for the summer where I was wearing a pair of Tevas.  It did pay later to take a windbreaker cause any beach can be chillingly windy no matter how sunny, especially in Canadian latitudes.

How to get there if you don’t have your own wheels.  Once you land in Bowen Island (a mere 20 minutes sail from Horseshoe Bay Ferry terminal in West Vancouver), take the bus to Bluewater (call 604-947-0229 for schedule information).  The bus always wait for the BC Ferry no matter how late.  Your Compass bus pass will work.

Get off at Whitesails Drive and Reef Street , walk south on Whitesails till you hit Cape Drive – veer right – then turn right on Collingwood Lane.  Keep on walking till you see the water and the end of the road - a small parking lot.  The start of the trail is at your left.  There is an unofficial short trail on the right side which affords good views of Keats Island and a mossy knoll perfect for a relaxing stream of thoughts.

Back to the left - it is an easy hike with footbridges breaking off to a winding earth path - always hugging the shore.  Towards Cape Roger Curtis Lighthouse, at a leisurely pace, it will take you 30 minutes – at a regular stroll perhaps 15 minutes.  Midway there is the pebbly Pebbly Beach, officially named Roger Curtis Beach, which even at the height of summer has refrigerator cold water.

One can spot deers, and if you are lucky a slithering garter snake making a dash across the trail, or simply nonchalantly sunbathing.  Don’t worry, they are not venomous.  But they can strike and bite if you get too friendly.  They prefer to be ignored.  Snotty sort ...

Finally, after 10 minutes, land’s end with a white tower – ette ? ?

The lighthouse does not appear to be one.  In fact it looks like a 15 foot white gas propane tank standing upright at the end of a 20 meter narrow rocky strip.  

There is a makeshift bench good for a cozy two, quite comfortable actually, at the start of the strip, next to a tree (leftmost in above image).

 A bit disappointing

The best thing about the Cape Roger Shore Walk is it is still quiet – not much foot or dog traffic.  It is scenic in spite of the meh meh lighthouse and the occasional jarring aluminum boat gangways.  And one can plan on a day trip to and from Vancouver.  Just bring your own food and drinks.

There are those pesky bee-like yellow wasps that rudely hangs around your food - so beware - they can sting.  Best way to avoid these gatecrashers - set up their own meal a few feet away - but  a few can't be fooled.  

Alternatively, used sliced cucumbers, which has an acidity that repels those wasps.  Also avoid wearing bright colors like yellow or the wasps will think you are a flower. See Keep Yellow Jackets Away 

For a map of Bowen Island Trails, see http://bowentrails.ca/

For everything Bowen, including Bus and Ferry schedules, see https://www.tourismbowenisland.com/

Strawberry Shortcake, Tea, Sandwiches and Betty Crocker

 

One of my mom’s treasured books is her red Betty Crocker Cookbook with its red spoon logo.  I grew up with it.  I wonder where it is now.  

Well why bring up Betty Crocker?  

This Saturday morning, the Little Red (painted) Church in Bowen Island, also known as United Church, was having its annual Strawberry Shortcake and Tea weekend.  For CAD$12.00, I got a classic North American strawberry shortcake with a cup of tea, and a small plate of triangle and square sandwiches: egg salad, tuna, ham, and salmon.  There is something special about holding and nibbling two-small bite sandwiches without a crust.  

The tea was served on real bone china made by Royal Albert in England.  There is something special about sipping tea on bone china.  Here is somewhat of a reason why in the fabulous web site of Akira Hojo -  see The effects of porcelain and bone china on the taste of tea. 

Midway, I requested a second cup.  What is it?  I am enjoying it.  The kindly lady told me it was a Tetley’s orange pekoe.

But back to Betty Crocker.  The fictitious cook was first commissioned in 1936, to project flour manufacturer General Mills' idea of the typical American homemaker — motherly, knowledgeable, and caring.  The Little Red Church women serving and wearing summery kitchen aprons exuded that Betty Crockerish vibes – in looks and in demeanor.  In front of her friends, one lady told me to go ahead and use the women’s toilet since the men’s was occupied.  Most unusual for women to suggest, especially to a stranger.  I saw her leave the church hall later, stopped my meal, ran after her, and thanked her.  To my pleasant surprise, she gave me a hug – and she doesn’t even know me .

The Strawberry Shortcake served was in classic North American style – a 5 inch in diameter biscuit (baked by the ladies) with a whipped cream filling, loaded with thinly-sliced fresh strawberries, and topped with more of both.  The other presentation is to use round sponge cakes instead of biscuits.  

Today’s June 11^th Strawberry Shortcake is timely because National Strawberry Shortcake Day is celebrated annually on June 14^th.

On my way out, I thanked the lady who was serving tea.  She asked if I wanted  a couple of Tetley’s tea bags for home.  

“How thoughtful and caring”, I whispered to myself.  “Just one please.  Thank you!”  

She handed me a small white paper pouch.   Once I got back to my retreat centre’s quarters that afternoon, I saw four tea bags inside. 

History of Betty Crocker see http://www.bettycrocker.com/menus-holidays-parties/mhplibrary/parties-and-get-togethers/vintage-betty/the-story-of-betty-crocker

History of Strawberry Shortcake see http://www.kitchenproject.com/history/Strawberries/StrawberryShortcake/ 

and  

http://toriavey.com/toris-kitchen/2013/05/history-strawberry-shortcake-recipe/