There used to be a small bakery in Pacific Grove, California: The Scotch Bakery. It was situated on Lighthouse Avenue, back when John Steinbeck was a local resident. He made brief mention of it in his novel, Cannery Row.
That bakery was still a going business up until December 2006. During it's 50 year span, I was fortunate to visit it many times. It was my favorite bakery in the Monterey Bay area, and I often purchased the loveliest sweet treats there.
For instance, the yummy Beehive Pie ... aka Bienenstich (Bee Sting Cake) ... pictured above. It is the most wonderful birthday cake I've ever had: a soft brioche, with a sweet cream filling, and covered with honey and almonds.
I grew up enjoying Beehive Pies as birthday cakes, and my husband used to buy them for my birthdays as well. I thoroughly enjoyed them; so much so that I can still taste their tempered sweetness when one comes to mind.
Sadly, this is cake is not as common as it once was, and it is certainly not available where I live. But, to quote the noted playwright, James M. Barrie, "God gave us memory so that we might have roses in December."
So today, on this the eve of my birthday, I am enjoying a delectable Beehive Pie ... so much as memory serves ... and looking forward to perhaps yet another someday. For the time being, the one in my mind is so, so yum!
Image: foodgawker.com