Belated Summer Blog!
Summer Specials.....
Well, you've certainly kept me on my toes since my last post. Such a busy time creating new and tantalising sweet treats. I am really spoilt at this time of year with the selection of colourful summer fruits available. Seasonal specials have included: Raspberry and Chocolate Dome Tart, Cherries Jubilee, Gooseberry and Custard Tart, Limoncello and Blueberry Trifle, Strawberry Charlotte Russe and Strawberry Angel Cake not forgetting the popular desserts that feature regularly on the menus; Seasonal Fruit Tart, Roulé Marquis aux Fraises, Passionfruit Cheesecake and Blackcurrant & Almond Streusel.
I've been meaning to try a new recipe for a caramel nut & raisin bar for sometime, but as with everything, other 'creations' have taken preference. I finally tested these in the kitchen in June and after a thumbs up from the family, I tentatively produced a batch for Usk Market. I needn't have worried as I sold out as soon as I put the menu out and you've been ordering ever since so much so that I'm now making a double batch between markets. I've also created a peanut version with dark chocolate. I originally made it with nougat but have made a batch this week similar to the caramel bars but with chopped peanuts and peanut butter in the base.
I'm loving working with the crushed feuilletine wafer. It gives an added crunch and lightness to my chocolates and sweet creations.
The above is a very serious affair, called a 'Black Russian Cake' and commissioned by a special customer. It's a chocolate cake steeped in Kahlua and Vodka and is best described as a 'stay at home evening cake' given the alcohol content. I really like the sharp lines which comes from my baking the cake in a shaped bundt tin.
I am continuing to offer my click and collect service at both Usk and Abergavenny Farmers Markets now that we have unlocked. Most of you, my customers, are used to pre ordering from me. If wish to be added to my mailing list in advance of a market please email me at bev@beverlyreed.co.uk. This system has worked far better than pre pandemic days and at least this way you get to order what you'd like rather than what's left on display.
In other news and in case you haven't been told; in SEPTEMBER the Memorial Hall Carpark in Usk is due to be resurfaced so the carpark will be closed for at least 6 weeks. We will be temporarily moving to Willows Garden Centre, Baron St , Usk, NP15 1AS from the 4th September.
I look forward to serving you at Usk and Abergavenny very soon
See you there!
